On April 8, 2025, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment in the case of State of Tamil Nadu v. Governor of Tamil Nadu. The Court ruled that a Governor cannot exercise an absolute or pocket veto over legislation duly passed by the State Legislature. Specifically, the Court held that if a Governor withholds assent to a bill, they must return it to the Legislature for reconsideration, rather than indefinitely withholding it or reserving it for the President’s consideration without timely action. The Court emphasized that any delay beyond a prescribed time limit in this process would be subject to judicial review .
This decision reinforces the constitutional principle that unelected officials, such as Governors, cannot obstruct the legislative process by withholding assent without providing reasons. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the legislative process and affirms the supremacy of democratically elected legislatures in enacting laws.
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