Supreme Court says: President must decide on State Bills in 3 months
The Supreme Court of India has made a new rule. Now, the President must make a decision on State Bills in 3 months. The Court also said the President can ask the Court for help before saying yes or no to the Bill.
This rule came from a case between the Tamil Nadu government and the Governor of Tamil Nadu. Since 2020, the Governor has not approved 10 State Bills. The Tamil Nadu government went to the Supreme Court to get help.
What is a Bill?
A Bill is a draft of a new law.
In India, when a Bill is passed by both houses of Parliament and signed by the President, it becomes a national law.
In States, a Bill is passed by the State Legislative Assembly (SLA). Then, it must be signed by the Governor to become a State law.
What if the Governor does not sign the Bill?
The Governor can:
- Sign the Bill
- Say no to the Bill
- Send it to the President for a final decision
If the Governor says no, he can send it back to the SLA with suggestions. If the SLA passes it again, it can still become a law.
If the Governor thinks the Bill is against the Constitution, he must send it to the President. The President then says yes or no.
What is the new change?
Before, the President could take many months or years to decide. This made the work of State governments very slow.
Now, the President must decide in 3 months. The Court also said the President can ask the Supreme Court for advice. This helps make sure the Bill follows the Constitution.
