Supreme Court faces 14 questions from President Murmu on Bill Approval
President Droupadi Murmu has expressed displeasure over the Supreme Court's decision and has asked 14 constitutional questions under Article 143 (1) of the Constitution. He believes that the judgment violates the limits of the Constitution and amounts to interference by the judiciary in the domain of the executive.
On April 8, the Supreme Court issued a significant ruling, asserting that a bill left pending with the Governor for an extended period will be considered approved. President Droupadi Murmu has voiced dissatisfaction with this decision, labeling it a breach of constitutional boundaries. The decision has sparked ongoing reactions, with the opposition also heavily criticizing the issue.
As per media reports, the President has requested the Supreme Court's opinion on 14 significant constitutional issues under Article 143 (1) of the Constitution. The President holds that this decision contradicts the fundamental principles of the Constitution and represents judicial interference in the executive domain.
The 14 questions asked by the President:
1. What choices does the Governor have under Article 200 regarding a bill sent to him?
2. Is the Governor required to follow the advice of the Council of Ministers while acting under Article 200?
3. Is it appropriate for the Governor to exercise discretion?
4. Does Article 361 completely prevent judicial review of the Governor's functions?
5. If the Constitution does not prescribe a time limit, can the court set a time limit and procedure for the Governor?
6. Can the President also exercise his discretion judiciously under Article 201?
7. Is it within the court's authority to establish a timeframe and process for the President if these are not specified in the Constitution?
8. Should the President seek the opinion of the Supreme Court when a bill is referred to the President by the Governor?
9. Can the court hear the bill before the Governor or the President decides on it?
Q.10. Can the Court under Article 142 overturn the orders of the President and the Governor?
11. Whether a law passed by the State Assembly without the consent of the Governor will be deemed to be in force?
12. Is Article 145(3) of the Constitution mandatory to refer matters relating to the interpretation of the Constitution to a bench of 5 judges?
13. Is Article 142 limited only to procedural matters or can the Supreme Court pass orders beyond the provisions of the Constitution?
14. Does the Supreme Court have any jurisdiction to settle disputes between the Centre and the States other than the one under Article 131?
What did the Supreme Court say?
The Supreme Court's ruling stated that if a bill is left with the Governor for an extended period, it will be deemed approved. He questioned, 'When the Constitution grants discretionary power to the President and the Governor, how can the judiciary intervene in this process?'