NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Centre and all state governments following the reference made by the President under Article 143 of the Constitution, seeking the top court’s opinion as to whether timelines can be imposed on Governors to act on Bills in the absence of a constitutionally-prescribed time limit.
The 5-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai sought assistance of Attorney General of India R. Venkataramani, the highest law officer of the Centre, in adjudication of the matter titled “In Re: Assent, Withholding or Reservation of Bills by the Governor and the President of India”.
The special Bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, P.S. Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurka, said that it would take up the Presidential reference for further hearing in August.