Article 143

Article 143 : Recently, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister strongly criticized the Presidential Reference made to the Supreme Court under Article 143 of the Constitution.

o The Reference seeks the Court’s advisory opinion on whether it can impose timelines for the Governor and the President to act on State Bills, as per Articles 200 and 201 of the Constitution.

• About Article 143 of the Indian Constitution: Empowers the President to seek the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion on questions of law or fact that are of public importance and either likely to arise or already arisen.

o Defines the Supreme Court’s advisory jurisdiction, exclusive to the President.

o Article 143(1): President may refer any matter; Supreme Court can choose to give or refuse its opinion.

o Article 143(2): President can refer disputes from pre-Constitution agreements (including state matters); Supreme Court must give its opinion.

• Related Provisions on Bills:

o Article 200: Governor’s powers over state legislature bills – give assent, withhold assent, or reserve for the President.

o Article 201: President’s veto power on bills reserved by the Governor.