India’s Supreme Court Hears Presidential Reference on Governor Deadlines: Live Updates

The Supreme Court of India has begun hearing a presidential reference on the deadlines for governors to decide on bills passed by state legislatures. This reference has been made by the President of India, and it seeks the court’s opinion on the time frame within which governors should take decisions on bills passed by state assemblies. The reference is significant, as it has the potential to impact the balance of power between the Centre and the states. The court’s decision could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s federal structure. The hearing, which is being held on Day 4, has seen arguments from various parties, including the Centre and state governments. The Centre has argued that governors should have a reasonable time frame to decide on bills, while state governments have contended that the time frame should be shorter. The court has also heard arguments on the issue of whether governors can return bills to state legislatures for reconsideration. The reference was made by the President after some governors had taken an inordinate amount of time to decide on bills, leading to allegations of delaying tactics. The court’s decision is expected to provide clarity on the issue and prevent such delays in the future. The hearing has seen a battery of senior lawyers arguing for the various parties, including the Attorney General of India. The court has also sought to know the views of the state governments on the issue. The reference has been made under Article 143 of the Constitution, which allows the President to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on any question of law or fact. The court’s opinion will be binding on all parties, and it will have significant implications for the functioning of state legislatures. The hearing is being closely watched by legal experts and political analysts, who see it as a significant development in the country’s constitutional history. The court’s decision is expected to be delivered in the coming weeks, and it will be eagerly awaited by all stakeholders. The reference has also raised questions about the role of governors in the country’s federal system, and the court’s decision will provide clarity on this issue. The hearing has seen a lively debate on the issue, with arguments being advanced on both sides. The court has also sought to know the views of the Centre on the issue, and the government has argued that governors should have a reasonable time frame to decide on bills. The state governments, on the other hand, have argued that the time frame should be shorter, and that governors should not be allowed to delay decisions on bills. The court’s decision will have significant implications for the functioning of state legislatures, and it will be closely watched by all stakeholders. The reference has also raised questions about the balance of power between the Centre and the states, and the court’s decision will provide clarity on this issue. The hearing is being held in the context of allegations that some governors have been delaying decisions on bills, leading to a logjam in the legislative process. The court’s decision will provide clarity on the issue and prevent such delays in the future. The reference has been made in the context of the country’s federal structure, and the court’s decision will have significant implications for the functioning of state legislatures. The hearing has seen arguments from various parties, including the Centre and state governments, and the court’s decision will be binding on all parties.

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