Why in News? 

The Supreme Court (SC) of India ruled that the President must decide on Bills referred by Governors within three months, addressing the Tamil Nadu government's petition against indefinite delays by the Governor in granting assent to State Bills. 

Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Judgement 

• Background: The ruling came in response to a November 2023 petition by the Tamil Nadu government, accusing the Governor of withholding assent to 10 Bills, some pending since 2020. 
• Judicial Review Permitted: For the first time, the Supreme Court allowed judicial intervention if Governor’s delay bill assent unnecessarily. 
• Timeline Set: The President must decide within three months on any Bill referred by the Governor under Article 201 of the Constitution. 
• On Absolute Veto: The Court stated that Governors and the President cannot exercise “absolute veto” powers, as such unbridled powers are inconsistent with constitutional norms. 
• On Article 143: The Supreme Court emphasized that in cases of constitutional doubt, the Union Executive should seek the SC’s advisory opinion under Article 143, rather than making unilateral decisions.