In a landmark move, the Supreme Court has set a three month deadline for the President to decide on Bills referred by Governors. This significant decision, made for the first time, emphasizes timely action in line with constitutional mandates. Under Article 201, no specific timeframe had previously been established for a Presidential decision, making this ruling a crucial step toward ensuring efficiency in governance. The Court also made it clear that delays beyond three months would require justification. This is truly a historic moment for India’s constitutional law and accountability. Coming on the heels of the judicial take down of Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi whose conduct the SC described as ''lack of bonafides and hard to trust'', this was a boost for constitutional values and procedure. Unfortunately the office of the president of India too has been reduced to a rubber stamp by the BJP. There was a time when presidents like Pranab Mukherjee immediately sent back bills for reconsideration if they was not satisfied with the content, aim or repurcussions of the legislation. There seems to be some hope for India yet, courtesy the Supreme Court of India.
