Bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai will hear the matter
| Photo Credit:
PTI
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) is scheduled to hear a Presidential Reference on assent withholding of reservation of Bills by the Governor and the President of India.
A five-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and comprising Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, P.S. Narasimha and Atul Chandurkar, is set to hear the case.
Also read: Presidential Reference ‘misleading’, can’t be used to alter prior ruling, T.N., Kerala tell Supreme Court
The states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala have argued for the return of the Reference. They termed it as “misleading” and an “appeal in disguise”.
The Centre is to be represented by Attorney General of India R. Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
Also read: Presidential Reference concerns all States, will answer all questions raised, says Supreme Court
A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on July 22, 2025, issued notices to the Union and all State governments on the Presidential Reference seeking clarity on whether the court can impose timelines and lay down guidelines for the conduct of Governors and the President in dealing with State Bills submitted for assent or reserved for their consideration.
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July 29, 2025 10:07
Presidential Reference questions if judiciary can impose timelines for President under Article 201
President Droupadi Murmu, in a rare move, has sought the opinion of the Supreme Court, through a Presidential Reference, on whether the court can “impose” timelines and prescribe the manner of conduct of Governors and the President while dealing with State Bills sent to them for assent or reserved for consideration.

President Murmu asks Supreme Court whether timelines can be ‘imposed’ on President, Governors to clear State Bills
President Droupadi Murmu seeks Supreme Court opinion on timelines for President and Governors in State Bill process.
July 29, 2025 10:07
What is a Presidential reference? | Explained
Read the explainer by The Hindu here:

What is a Presidential reference? | Explained
President Droupadi Murmu seeks Supreme Court opinion under Article 143, sparking debate on advisory jurisdiction and constitutional interpretation.
Published - July 29, 2025