Pressure Mounts on Bengal Governor as Speaker Raises Concern Over 23 Pending Bills After Supreme Court Verdict
Kolkata, India — April 9, 2025 — In the wake of the Supreme Court’s strong observations against Tamil Nadu’s governor for indefinitely withholding assent to legislative bills, pressure is now building on West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose. On Tuesday, West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee reminded the governor that 23 bills passed by the state assembly between 2016 and 2025 are still awaiting approval at Raj Bhavan.
Speaker Cites Supreme Court Directive
Referencing the Supreme Court’s recent stance that state governors cannot hold back bills indefinitely, Banerjee emphasized that similar inaction is hampering legislative progress in West Bengal. “If there are discrepancies in the bills, the governor should consult with the Advocate General,” said Banerjee. He urged immediate attention to these pending bills and suggested that the governor must act in accordance with the Constitution.
Banerjee proposed that any bill passed by the Assembly but not signed within three to six months should be deemed automatically enacted. This suggestion reflects a growing concern over delays in the legislative process and echoes the Supreme Court’s assertion that indefinite delays are unconstitutional.
Key Bills Awaiting Approval
Among the 23 pending bills are several of significant public interest. These include the Mob Lynching Prevention Bill, a bill for the merger of Howrah and Bally municipalities, eight bills granting the Chief Minister the role of Chancellor in various state universities, and legislation concerning the formation of search committees for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors.
Banerjee criticized the lack of transparency, stating that the Raj Bhavan has not offered clear reasons for the delay in approvals. He added that timely gubernatorial assent is essential for governance and democratic integrity.
Raj Bhavan Responds with Clarifications
In response, an official from the Governor’s office stated that seven of the 23 bills are sub judice as they pertain to university matters currently under court review. Two bills have been forwarded to the President for assent, and one has received conditional approval. For the remaining 12 bills, the Raj Bhavan has sought additional clarification from the state government.
This evolving legislative standoff highlights the friction between the state government and the governor’s office, with constitutional roles and responsibilities under the spotlight following the Supreme Court’s recent intervention.
