Supreme Court Ruling – Presidential Assent and Accountability

• Landmark Judgment: President must provide clear and cogent reasons when withholding assent to a bill.
• Basis of Ruling: Interpretation of Article 143 of the Indian Constitution.
• Objective: To ensure transparency, judicial accountability, and uphold the principle of limited government.

Article 143 – Presidential Reference

• Provision: Allows the President to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on important questions of law or fact.
• Purpose: Helps in maintaining constitutional governance.
• Binding Nature: President is expected to act in consonance with SC’s opinion, unless strong policy reasons justify otherwise.