Endless delay: On the conduct of Governors and legislative agenda

Source: The post is based on the article “Endless delay: On the conduct of Governors and legislative agenda” published in The Hindu on 18^th March 2023.

Syllabus: GS – 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

Relevance: Tussle between state government and Governors

News: The Supreme court is set to hear a petition from the Telangana Government seeking directions to the Governor to grant assent to the Bills.

What are the Constitutional Provisions regarding giving assent to the bills?

The Governor can either grant assent to a Bill or decline it or reserve it for the President’s consideration. In suitable cases, it may also be returned for reconsideration.

However, none of this should be based on the Governor’s personal view on the Bill’s content. Governors should only act as per the powers granted by the Constitution.

Read More: Issues Related to the Office of Governor – Explained

What are areas of conflict between the state governments and the Governors?

In Punjab, the Governor delayed summoning the Assembly. The issue was later settled up by the Supreme Court.

Read More: State Of Head Governors have been seen as partisan for decades. They should be accountable to Centre, state & Rajya Sabha

What can be the way ahead?

Constitutional functions should not be held hostage to political and personal differences.

The Supreme Court’s recent statement that communication amongst constitutional authorities shouldn’t turn into a “race to the bottom” is noteworthy.