In a significant verdict settling the law about the legislative interaction between Governors and state governments, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court today delivered its opinion on the Presidential Reference regarding the assent to Bills by the Governor.

The opinion, delivered days before Chief Justice of India BR Gavai’s retirement, addresses 14 specific questions of law referred to the court by President Droupadi Murmu.

While the court ruled that Governors cannot sit on Bills indefinitely, it also held that the judiciary cannot impose rigid timelines on constitutional authorities.

Here is a breakdown of the 14 questions referred to the court and its answers:

What are the constitutional options before a Governor when a Bill is presented to him under Article 200

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