The Clash of Governance and Legislative Sovereignty: Supreme Court Debates Governor's Role

In a pivotal Supreme Court hearing, the West Bengal government challenged the power of governors to delay assent to legislative bills, arguing that it undermines the sovereignty of state legislatures. Kapil Sibal, representing the state, emphasized that the executive must execute decisions promptly.

During the proceedings, the bench, led by Chief Justice B R Gavai, considered if governors had the discretion to indefinitely withhold their assent to bills, a power that could potentially render the legislative process ineffective. Sibal insisted that such actions strike at the heart of democratic governance.

The hearings continue as the court seeks to determine the constitutionality of timelines for executive action on bills, with high stakes for the balance of power between state governments and appointed governors.

(With inputs from agencies.)