Supreme Court: Governors Cannot Delay Bill Assent Indefinitely

The Supreme Court has clarified that Governors must adhere to constitutional timelines when granting assent to bills passed by state legislatures.

If a Governor fails to act, the court can intervene through judicial review, directing compliance or even deeming assent granted after a reasonable period.

Appearing for Bengal, Kapil Sibal said legislative validity can only be tested in courts, not by governors, stressing that withholding assent undermines the “will of the people.”

The five-judge Constitution Bench led by CJI B R Gavai observed that governors must apply their mind on repugnancy with central laws but cannot act as “super legislatures.”