Supreme Court Issues Notices to Kerala, West Bengal Governors Over Pending Bills

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the governors of Kerala and West Bengal on pleas regarding pending bills in both states. The Kerala government challenges the Governor's delay in bill assent, while West Bengal claims similar issues affecting state welfare. Responses are expected within three weeks.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the offices of the governors of Kerala and West Bengal concerning pleas about pending bills awaiting assent in both states. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud directed the Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor of Kerala and the Union Government to respond to the Kerala Government's petition.

Regarding the West Bengal matter, the court also issued notices to the involved respondent and granted the liberty to include the Union government as a party in the case. It instructed the concerned respondent to submit a reply within three weeks.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing West Bengal, informed the court that similar issues exist across states, notably mentioning Tamil Nadu. Senior Advocate KK Venugopal, appearing for Kerala, argued that their bills have been pending for eight months, challenging the reference to the President.

The West Bengal Government, in its plea submitted by Advocate Astha, argued that the Governor's withholding of assent for eight bills adversely impacts state welfare. The plea states that the Governor's actions undermine constitutional principles and the rule of law.

Specifically, the petition emphasizes that the delay in granting assent to eight bills passed in 2022 disrupts legislative function and public welfare. It requests the Supreme Court to declare the Governor's inaction unconstitutional and compel prompt consideration of the bills.

Kerala’s plea to the Supreme Court similarly seeks the declaration of the Governor's reservation of seven bills for Presidential assent as illegal, citing arbitrary behavior and lack of bona fides.