'How Can You Say...': SC Asks Centre Why delaying Bills Doesn't Amount to 'False Alarms'

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-09-10 19:33:58 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-10 21:39:39

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The Supreme Court on Monday expressed displeasure at the Centre's contention that raising alarms over delayed Bills being sent for presidential assent was like "giving false alarms". The apex court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, was hearing a petition that has sought directions to the Centre for expeditious clearance of Bills pending for assent or rejection by the President.

During the hearing, the Centre's argument was that there was no urgency in the case and that from 1970 to 2022, only five bills were withheld, of which four had been granted assent within one month and the fifth one is already pending for over two years. The Centre presented data saying from 1970 to 2025, out of 17,000 bills introduced, only 20 were withheld, and 90% of them were granted assent within one month.

However, the bench told the Centre's lawyer that it was not satisfied with the argument, asking how a scenario where even after the expiry of the stipulated time, the President hasn't granted his assent to a bill, could be called a "false alarm".

The top court said it was exercising its power under Article 142 of the Constitution to expedite the process of granting assent to Bills, a power that it has used sparingly. The bench, also comprising Justice A.S. Oka and Justice J.B. Pardiwala, posted the matter for further hearing on Wednesday.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court expressed displeasure with the Centre's argument that delays in presidential assent to Bills were 'false alarms' and sought a justification for the same. The Court also made it clear that it was exercising its special power under Article 142 to swiftly dispose of this issue, which is not an ordinary power that it bestowed upon itself. Amid concerns over the Centre's argument, the top court has scheduled the next hearing for Wednesday.

Go!