Article 143: President’s Reference on Bill Assent Deadlines
Why in the news
The President asked the Supreme Court whether deadlines can bind the President and Governors while handling Bills passed by State Legislatures, a response to assent delays in politically sensitive states.
Key facts
- Article 143(1): President may refer law or fact questions of public importance.
- Article 143(2): treaties, agreements, covenants, notably with former princely states.
- The opinion is advisory, not enforceable like a judgment; the Court may decline.
- Constitution Bench of at least five judges (Article 145(3)).
- Gives the President an independent alternative to Cabinet advice.
Past references (14 since 1950)
| Reference | Subject |
|---|---|
| Delhi Laws Act (1951) | Delegating law-making power |
| Berubari Union (1960) | Giving up land to Pakistan |
| Kesavananda follow-up (1973) | Basic Structure doctrine |
| Cauvery Tribunal (1992) | Tribunal’s authority over inter-state water disputes |
| Ayodhya (1993) | Declined by the Court as political |
| Judges Appointment (1998) | Collegium clarified |
Significance
- May fill the constitutional silence on assent timelines and speed up lawmaking.
- Bears on Centre-State relations.
Exam angle
- Ayodhya reference was declined; minimum bench five judges.