THE SUPREME COURT TODAY referred to developments in neighbouring Nepal while asserting that it is “proud” of the Indian Constitution, even as the Centre reiterated its opposition to the Court fixing timelines for the President and Governors to act on Bills passed by State legislatures.
“We are proud of our Constitution. See what is happening in our neighbouring states… Nepal we saw,” said Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, heading a five-judge Constitution Bench hearing the Presidential Reference seeking an advisory opinion on whether the Court could prescribe a timeframe for constitutional functionaries to decide on Bills presented for assent.
Justice Vikram Nath, another member of the Bench, added: “Yes, Bangladesh also.”
The Bench also comprises Justices Surya Kant, Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurkar.
On the ninth day of the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, in his rejoinder submissions, described as “aberration” the conduct of Governors in some Opposition-ruled States who had withheld assent to Bills for long durations or indefinitely.
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