33 Bills Awaiting Assent from Governors and President in Four Opposition-Ruled States

A total of 33 bills are currently awaiting assent from governors or the president in four Opposition-ruled states. This situation raises concerns about legislative delays and the impact on governance.

The Supreme Court recently ruled that it cannot set deadlines for governors or the president to approve bills passed by state assemblies. Currently, 33 bills in four states governed by opposition parties are awaiting such approval. However, Tamil Nadu's 10 bills, which received deemed assent on April 8 under Article 142, remain unaffected as they have already become law and are published in the Gazette.

In West Bengal, Speaker Biman Banerjee expressed concern over 19 bills still pending governor's assent. He highlighted the importance of these bills, stating that they are meant for public benefit and lose significance when delayed. Once a bill is passed by the assembly, it is sent to the governor who can approve, reject, or return it with suggestions. If returned and passed again, the governor must give assent.

Pending Bills in Karnataka and Telangana

Karnataka has 10 bills awaiting presidential approval, including one that proposes a four per cent reservation for Muslims in civil works contracts. This bill was referred to the central government in June 2025. Official sources confirmed that no bill is pending with the Karnataka governor for approval at present.

In Telangana, Congress leaders criticised delays in approving proposals like the Backward Classes Quota Bill. The state government had promised a 42 per cent reservation for BCs in local bodies before the 2023 elections. Two bills were passed earlier this year to increase BC reservation in education and employment to 42 per cent. These bills are now awaiting presidential assent.

Kerala's Legislative Challenges

Several bills passed by Kerala's Assembly are still pending governor's approval, some for over a year. Many of these relate to amendments in University Laws from Arif Mohammed Khan's tenure as governor. The amendments include changes to vice chancellor appointments and university administration. A specific bill proposing different chancellors for various universities is yet to receive approval.

The Supreme Court's decision gains significance as it clarifies that governors do not have unlimited power to delay bills indefinitely. A five-judge Constitution bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai stated that while governors' delays can be scrutinised judicially, deemed assent cannot be granted by the court using Article 142 as it would encroach on another constitutional authority's role.

Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK party noted that the Supreme Court's stance on no timelines for governors is merely an opinion and not a binding judgment. Therefore, it will not affect ongoing court adjudications according to the party.

With inputs from PTI