What is the problem? Supreme Court Affirms Maintainability of Presidential Reference on Bill Assent Timelines

The Supreme Court has expressed a prima facie favourable view on the maintainability of a Presidential reference under Article 143 concerning the timelines for Governors and the President to grant assent to bills.

A Constitution Bench said there is nothing wrong with the President seeking the views of the Court on the issue.

The reference, made by President Droupadi Murmu, questions the Court's April ruling that prescribed specific time limits for assent and held that inaction by Governors under Article 200 is subject to judicial review.

States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have opposed the reference, arguing it seeks to indirectly overrule binding judgments without disclosure.

The Court clarified that it is sitting in advisory jurisdiction and not appellate jurisdiction.