Constitutional Showdown: Kerala Government Challenges Presidential Withholding of Assent

In an unprecedented legal maneuver, the Kerala Government has taken President Droupadi Murmu to task for withholding assent for four Bills passed by the Kerala Legislature, citing violations of Constitutional provisions. The State’s lawsuit also targets Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan for prolonging the Bills’ consideration period and subsequently reserving them for Presidential review. Arguing a breach of Constitutional morality, Kerala contends that the President’s actions undermine the federal structure and disrupt the delicate balance between state and central authority.

Furthermore, the Governor’s actions are challenged as lacking bona fides and good faith, with the State asserting that the bundling and referral of Bills to the President were deliberate attempts to evade constitutional responsibilities. Kerala’s legal challenge signals a significant confrontation over the boundaries of executive authority within India’s federal framework.