THE HINDU DATED 21ST NOVEMBER 2025

Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-20

THE HINDU DATED 21ST NOVEMBER 2025.

1. Supreme Court on Presidential Reference & Limits on Judicial Power

The Supreme Court’s opinion on the 16th Presidential Reference clarified that courts cannot impose rigid timelines on Governors or the President for disposing of State Bills. The Bench held that “deemed consent,” arising from expiry of a court-mandated deadline, would amount to judicial usurpation of constitutional functions, undermining separation of powers. At the same time, the court criticised the practice of “prolonged and evasive inaction” by constitutional heads, emphasising that indefinite delays thwart the democratic will expressed through legislatures. While reiterating that Governors have three specific options under Article 200—grant assent, return the Bill (if not a Money Bill), or r