NEWS:Supreme Court questions Governors inaction on State Bills examining judicial review scope under Article 200 amid Centre State disputes
GS-2 polity and governance
- The Supreme Court questioned the Centre and BJP-ruled States regarding the judiciary’s power to review a Governor’s inaction on State Bills.
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) B. R. Gavai compared the discretionary powers of a Governor under Article 356 (President’s Rule) and Article 200 (assent to State Bills) of the Constitution.
- The Presidential Reference was triggered by an April 8 judgment concerning the Tamil Nadu Governor’s delay in assenting to Bills since 2020.
- The Centre and some States argued that the judiciary should not impose deadlines on the President and Governors for deciding on State Bills.
The Governor’s action on State Bills is governed mainly by Article 200 of the Indian Constitution (and partly by Article 201). When a Bill is passed by the State Legislature, it is presented to the Governor for assent. The Governor has four choices:
1. Assent to the Bill
- The Governor may give assent, and the Bill becomes a law.
2. Withhold Assent
- The Governor may refuse to give assent (called “absolute veto”).
- Rarely used, usually in case of Private Members’ Bills.
3. Return the Bill (for reconsideration)
- If it is not a Money Bill, the Governor can return it with a message to the Legislature for reconsideration.
- The Legislature may pass it again with or without changes.
- After reconsideration, the Governor must give assent (cannot withhold).
4. Reserve the Bill for President’s Consideration
- Certain cases require the Governor to reserve the Bill for the President (e.g., if it affects the powers of the High Court, or is against the larger interest of the country).
- Even otherwise, the Governor may choose to reserve a Bill.
- In this case, the President has three options under Article 201:
- Give assent → Bill becomes law.
- Withhold assent → Bill fails.
- Return (if not Money Bill) → State Legislature can reconsider, but the Bill becomes law only if President assents.
NEWS:ECI faces scrutiny over voter list manipulation allegations and Bihars special intensive revision legality raising concerns about electoral integrity
GS-2 polity and governance
- Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, alleged voter list manipulation in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment, Bangalore, during the 2024 elections on August 7, 2025.
- The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) responded on August 17 with an ultimatum, demanding proof or an apology from the LoP.
- The article highlights concerns about the Election Commission of India (ECI) joining a political debate, questioning the fairness of the electoral process.
- The ECI is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, raising legal questions and sparking political agitation.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
1. Constitutional Status
- Established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution (Part XV).
- Responsible for the superintendence, direction and control of elections.
2. Composition
- Originally: One Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
- Since 1989: Multi-member body (CEC + two Election Commissioners).
- Appointed by the President of India.
- Tenure: 6 years or till 65 years of age (whichever earlier).
- Removal:
- CEC: Same manner & grounds as a Supreme Court judge (by Parliament).
- Other Election Commissioners: Can be removed by the President on recommendation of the CEC.
3. Functions & Powers
- Conducts elections to:
- Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha.
- State Legislative Assemblies & Councils.
- Offices of President & Vice President.
- Prepares and updates electoral rolls.
- Enforces Model Code of Conduct.
- Registers political parties and allots election symbols.
- Advises President/Governors on disqualification of MPs/MLAs under Tenth Schedule (anti-defection) and RPA, 1951.
- Supervises expenditure, election campaigns, and ensures free & fair elections.
4. Recent Developments
- Appointment of CEC & ECs:
- Till 2023: Appointed only by the President on aid & advice of PM-led Council.
- Supreme Court judgment (March 2023): Said CEC/ECs to be appointed by PM, Leader of Opposition & CJI till Parliament makes a law.
- CEC & Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023: Replaced CJI with a Cabinet Minister nominated by PM.
- Increasing debate on ECI’s independence & neutrality.
NEWS:ISROs successful air drop test IADT 1 validates Gaganyaans parachute system crucial for safe crew module recovery and mission success
GS-3 science and technology
- ISRO successfully conducted the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1) on August 24, a key milestone for the Gaganyaan mission.
- A 4.8-tonne dummy crew capsule was dropped from a helicopter to test the parachute system’s ability to ensure safe splashdown.
- The test simulated the final descent stages of a space mission, aiming for a capsule speed of 8 m/s before splashdown.
- The Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, and Coast Guard collaborated with ISRO on the test.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
1. Introduction
- Established in 1969, succeeding INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research, 1962, led by Vikram Sarabhai).
- Headquarters: Bengaluru.
- Administrative control: Department of Space, directly under the Prime Minister.
- Vision: Harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science and planetary exploration.
2. Key Achievements
- Launch Vehicles:
- PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) – workhorse of ISRO.
- GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle).
- GSLV Mk III (LVM-3) – used for Chandrayaan-2 & human spaceflight missions.
- Satellite Missions:
- Aryabhata (1975) – India’s first satellite.
- INSAT series (communication, broadcasting, meteorology).
- IRS series (remote sensing).
- Navigation: NavIC (Indian GPS alternative).
- Major Explorations:
- Chandrayaan-1 (2008) – discovery of water on Moon.
- Mars Orbiter Mission – Mangalyaan (2013) – first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit.
- Chandrayaan-2 (2019) – orbiter successful, lander failed.
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023) – India became the first country to land near Moon’s south pole.
- Aditya-L1 (2023) – India’s first solar mission.
- Human Spaceflight:
- Gaganyaan Mission (planned) – India’s first crewed space mission.
MAINS MOCK QUESTION
Critically examine the role of the Governor in relation to State bills. Do you think the Governor’s discretion in withholding or reserving bills undermines the federal spirit of the Constitution?
