New Delhi, Nov. 20 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday delivered a significant clarification on the constitutional powers of the President and state Governors, ruling that they cannot be subjected to fixed timelines when dealing with Bills passed by state legislatures. A five-judge Constitution Bench held that the actions of the President or Governors in this regard are not justiciable, and courts may step in only after a Bill attains the status of law.

The ruling came in response to a presidential reference under Article 143, following a two-judge bench verdict in the Tamil Nadu Governor case that appeared to impose time limits for clearing Bills. Seeking guidance, President Droupadi Murmu had specifically asked whether a Governor is boun...