Synopsis: Supreme Court ruled that Governors cannot indefinitely withhold assent to State Bills, rejecting a “fourth option” under Article 200. Only three choices exist: assent, withhold with reasons, or return for reconsideration. If re-passed, assent is mandatory. Indefinite delays violate cooperative federalism. Advisory opinion on President’s Reference curbs gubernatorial obstruction, reinforcing state legislative primacy.

In a shot in the arm for India’s federal structure, the Supreme Court today ruled that Governors cannot indefinitely withhold assent to Bills passed by State Legislative Assemblies, and batted for a consultative rather than obstructive approach to legislative processes.

Delivering its opinion on a Presidential Reference, a five-judge Constitution Bench led

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