The central government has voiced strong objections to the Supreme Court's recent pronouncements regarding the timeline for presidential and gubernatorial assent to bills, arguing that such judicial intervention could upset the delicate equilibrium of power enshrined in the Constitution. The government contends that the court's ruling encroaches upon the constitutional prerogatives of the President and Governors, potentially destabilizing the balance between the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
According to the government, the Supreme Court's attempt to set deadlines for the President and Governors to grant assent to bills is an overreach that could have far-reaching consequences. The government believes that the judiciary should not be involved in reviewing the procedures related to granting assent, as this could undermine the established constitutional framework.
The Centre's concerns stem from the belief that the apex court's directives could unduly restrict the executive branch's ability to thoroughly consider and deliberate on legislative matters. It is argued that the President and Governors must have the latitude to exercise their judgment independently, without being bound by judicially mandated timelines. Any attempt to curtail this discretion, the government suggests, would be a violation of the principles of separation of powers.
The government's stance reflects a broader debate about the appropriate boundaries of judicial review and the extent to which the judiciary can intervene in the functioning of the other branches of government. While the Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and ensure that laws are in compliance with it, the government believes that it should exercise restraint when it comes to matters that fall within the exclusive domain of the executive or the legislature.
The implications of this disagreement between the government and the Supreme Court are significant. If the court's ruling is implemented, it could lead to greater scrutiny of the President's and Governors' decisions regarding assent to bills, potentially leading to legal challenges and delays in the legislative process. On the other hand, if the government's objections are upheld, it could reinforce the executive branch's autonomy in legislative matters.
This situation highlights the ongoing tension between the judiciary and the executive in India, as both branches seek to assert their authority within the constitutional framework. The resolution of this particular issue will likely have a lasting impact on the balance of power between the different organs of the state.