Hearing Details: On July 22, 2025, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will hear a landmark reference sent by the President under Article 143 of the Constitution. The reference concerns the question of whether any legal timeline can be imposed on the Governors and the President to decide on bills passed by the state legislatures. The answer to this question will not only affect the basic principles of the constitutional structure but will also clarify the balance of relations between the Centre and the state governments. The landmark hearing will be presided over by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Goyal, while the bench will also include Justices Surya Kant, Vikran Nath, P. S. Narasimha, and Atul S. Chandrakar. The bench is unusual in its composition, as it includes three senior judges of the Supreme Court, and four judges are current or potential candidates for becoming the Chief Justice of India. Justice Surya Kant will take over as the Chief Justice of India in November 2025, Justice Vikranath in February 2027, and Justice P.S. Narasimha in October 2027. Background: The decision to set up this constitutional bench was taken when The Supreme Court was debating whether a presidential reference received under Article 143 should be sent directly to a five-judge constitution bench or a smaller bench of three judges should first conduct a preliminary hearing and issue notices. To settle the debate, the Supreme Court Registry reviewed the cases filed under Article 143 in the past and the rules of the court. Based on their report, the Chief Justice was advised that such cases should be heard by a five-judge constitution bench from the outset, even if the matter is limited to issuing notices only. Scope of hearing: During today’s hearing, the constitution bench will begin consideration of this important constitutional question by issuing notices to the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and all state governments. The court will examine whether any constitutional or statutory timeline can be fixed for the Governors and the President to decide on state bills, and if so, how it can be implemented. This question has recently caused disputes between several states and the Centre, where delays by governors in deciding on bills have led to political and constitutional crises. Social and Constitutional Implications: This hearing not only touches on a delicate aspect of the constitutional structure but will also clarify the balance of powers between the Centre and the state governments in the federal system. Experts say that the impact of this decision will be long-term, as it could redefine the role of governors and the President. An X-Post said: “This decision of the Supreme Court may strengthen the spirit of the federal system, but the question is whether imposing a timeline on the governors and the President is consistent with constitutional principles?” Conclusion: Today’s hearing of the Supreme Court is creating a story that touches the depths of the constitutional structure of India. The question of imposing a timeline on the powers of governors and the President is not only legally but also politically sensitive. As one legal expert put it: “This decision will not only ensure the rule of law but will also set new principles for the relationship between the Centre and the state governments.” This hearing could prove to be an important step towards a new interpretation of India’s federal system and constitutional accountability. The eyes of the public and political circles are on this Focuses on the historic decision, which raises hopes for further strengthening of the rule of law. Source: The Hindu: Indian Express: Times of India: X-Posts: