State Governments File Case Against Governors for Delaying Approval of Bills
The state governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala have filed a case in the Supreme Court against the governors of their respective states for their failure to approve bills sent on behalf of the governments. The state governments have demanded an immediate order from the court to the governors to approve the bills. The case is scheduled to be heard on November 10.
The Punjab State Government has also filed a similar case against Governor Banwarilal Purohit, accusing him of delaying the approval of bills to be passed in the Legislative Assembly. The government’s petition alleges that Governor Purohit has deliberately held back approval, despite the bills being passed in the assembly. The governor has also been criticized for not convening the state legislature. As a result, 7 bills passed in the previous session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly remain unapproved.
The case related to the Punjab Governor’s actions was heard today (06-11-23) before Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. During the hearing, the Chief Justice acknowledged that opposition parties had also filed similar cases regarding the role of governors in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and Punjab. The Chief Justice emphasized that governors are not elected rulers, and questioned whether state governments should approach the courts to compel the approval of bills. He further stated that governors should take action before the matter reaches the Supreme Court. The court has ordered that the governor’s response to the bills be reported on November 10. The Chief Minister and Governor of Punjab have been urged to reflect on their actions.
With tensions between state governments and governors rising, this case has drawn attention to the role of governors in the legislative process. It remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will rule on the matter and whether it will provide clarity on the governor’s authority to withhold approval of bills.