The Court was hearing a plea by the State government alleging that the Governor was sitting over files pertaining to sanctions for the prosecution of public servants, and the premature release of various prisoners.
In the plea filed through advocate Sabarish Subramanian, the State government urged the Supreme Court to direct the Governor to dispose of the same within specified timelines.
Further, citing the Sarkaria Commission’s recommendations, the government sought issuance of guidelines regarding time limits for Governors to assent to bills passed by the Assembly.
The Governor, by his inaction, is bringing the entire administration to a grinding halt and creating an adversarial attitude by not cooperating with the State administration, the plea said.
“The Governor’s inactions have caused a constitutional deadlock between the Constitutional Head of the State and the elected government of the State. That by not acting upon their Constitutional functions, the Hon’ble Governor is toying away with the Citizen’s mandate,” the plea stated.
During the hearing today, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the State, said that this trend of Governors refusing to act on Bills, was now visible across many States in the country.
“This is a disease spreading from Kashmir to Kanyakumari,” he said.
The CJI then said that the Court will issue notice and keep the matter for later since the assistance of AG and SG would be required.
“Please let the AG or SG be here. We can issue notice and keep it later When were the bills passed,” the CJI asked.
“Almost two to three years ago. He is not signing remission orders. Nothing at all. here is a letter saying we are begging you to give sanction for prosecution or remission. There are people in prison. Something has to be done,” Singhvi replied.
Source: Barandbench
