23 bills passed by stuck with Governor; Bengal govt hopeful after Court's verdict

The West Bengal government has expressed cautious optimism following a recent Supreme Court ruling in the Tamil Nadu case that may compel Governor C.V. Ananda Bose to act on 23 long-pending bills. The judgment, which reaffirms that governors must not delay bill approvals indefinitely, is seen as a potential breakthrough in Bengal’s ongoing legislative deadlock.

Among the bills awaiting approval are the much-discussed Aparajita Bill, mob lynching legislation, and several others related to education, health, and development programs. These bills, passed between 2016 and March 2025, have remained in limbo due to what the Trinamool Congress (TMC) calls "unexplained inaction" by the Governor’s office. State officials believe that with the apex court’s clear stance on governors' limited discretionary powers, the Raj Bhavan may now be legally compelled to respond.

The delay in approvals has had a cascading effect on welfare schemes and reforms. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other senior leaders have, on multiple occasions, appealed to the Governor for action, emphasizing that none of the bills violate the Constitution or require presidential review.

The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered in the context of a similar legislative standoff in Tamil Nadu, has stated that governors must act within a reasonable constitutional timeframe. The court’s interpretation is expected to streamline the functioning of federal institutions and reduce the friction between state governments and gubernatorial offices.

Reacting to the ruling, TMC ministers and legislators welcomed the move, calling it a victory for democratic federalism. They asserted that this judgment protects the sovereignty of elected state legislatures and prevents governors from stalling governance through inaction.

West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee voiced frustration over the prolonged delays, stating, “We’ve repeatedly written to the Governor. None of the 23 pending bills breach constitutional norms. The state’s progress is being held hostage.” The focus now shifts to Raj Bhavan and whether Governor Bose will adhere to the judicial directive.