Presidential Reference

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President Droupadi Murmu recently referred 14 questions to the Supreme Court under Article 143.

What is a Presidential Reference?

• A Presidential Reference is a constitutional mechanism under Article 143 of the Indian Constitution, wherein the President of India seeks the advisory opinion of the Supreme Court on important questions of law or fact.
• This power enables the executive to seek judicial clarity on complex constitutional matters without initiating litigation.
• There are two components of Article 143:
  • Article 143(1) allows the President to refer any question of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its advisory opinion.
  • Article 143(2) pertains to disputes involving pre-Constitutional treaties and agreements, permitting the President to refer such matters for legal clarification.
• Nature of Opinion: The Supreme Court’s opinion is not binding on the President. It does not carry precedential value but holds strong persuasive authority and is usually followed by the executive and judiciary.
• Historical origin: The provision originates from the Government of India Act, 1935, which empowered the Governor-General to refer legal matters to the Federal Court.
• Procedure for Reference: The President refers to the advice of the Union Council of Ministers. As per Article 145, a minimum 5-judge Bench of the Supreme Court must hear the matter.
• The court’s discretion: The Supreme Court may choose whether or not to answer the reference. It can refuse to respond if the question is vague, hypothetical, or outside judicial purview.
• Global comparisons:
  • Canada: Allows similar advisory references to the Supreme Court of Canada. 
  • United States: It does not permit advisory opinions, and it respects the strict separation of powers.

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Presidential Reference FAQs

Q1: What is a Presidential Reference?
Ans: A Presidential Reference is a mechanism under Article 143 of the Constitution through which the President of India can seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on a question of law or fact of public importance.

Q2: How many types of Presidential Reference exist?
Ans: There are two types: one related to legal questions (Article 143(1)), and the other related to disputes arising out of pre-Constitution treaties or agreements (Article 143(2)).

Source: NIE