Supreme Court: Governor can’t keep the bill pending for long

Delhi, India: The Supreme Court recently held that the Governor is only a symbolic head of a state, and cannot thwart the law-making powers of the legislature. SC marked the statement during the hearing of the State of Punjab vs. Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab and Others.

A division bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Mishra said there is no valid constitutional ground to doubt the validity of the session of the Punjab Assembly held on June 19, June 20, and October 20, 2023.

The many leaders stated their views. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said, “The judgment of the Supreme Court on the Governor’s powers is a stern rebuke to not only the Governor of Punjab but to all Governors“. Here is the tweet.

Contrary to this Raghav Chadha said, “The Hon’ble Supreme Court has given a verdict on a petition filed by the Punjab Government against the Punjab Governor. The verdict makes it clear that Governors are UNELECTED Heads of state and cannot MISUSE their powers to obstruct state legislatures.“

Both Judges of Supreme Cou said, “It is not a constitutional option open to the Governor to cast doubt on the validity of the session of the House… We are, therefore, of the view that the Governor of Punjab should now proceed to take a decision on the Bills which are subject to assent on this basis.” “It is submitted that the meetings of the House held on 19 June 2023, 20 June 2023 and 20 October 2023 were constitutionally valid.”