NEW DELHI: Amidst tensions between governments and governors in various states like Tamil Nadu, Punjab and West Bengal aims for clarity on the interpretation of Article 200 of the Constitution. The Chief Secretary V. Venu and Perampra CPM MLA TP Ramakrishnan filed an amendment petition urging the Supreme Court to set guidelines for handling bills pending with the Governor.

The petition requests a clear interpretation of 'as soon as possible' and demands a time limit for decision-making. It also seeks a declaration that Governor Arif Muhammad Khan has not fulfilled his constitutional duties by delaying decisions on several bills.

Scheduled for January 8, the hearing arises from concerns that the delay in decision-making impedes the effective functioning of legislatures. It highlights instances where bills have been withheld without reasons or left for presidential consideration.

The Sarkaria Commission's clarification is cited, emphasizing that governors should not act against Cabinet advice due to personal preferences.

Kerala seeks to address the delay in decision-making by urging the Court to declare the Governor's failure to discharge constitutional duties. The amendment petition seeks immediate decisions on pending bills, citing that out of 16 bills, only three were accepted after court notice on November 20, while seven were sent to the President without reasons.