Prez reference: SC verdict today
The Supreme Court (SC) is set to deliver its verdict on Thursday regarding a presidential reference on whether courts can set timelines for Governors and the President to assent to bills passed by state legislatures. A constitution bench, led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and comprising Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, PS Narasimha, and AS Chandurkar, heard arguments for 10 days before reserving its judgment on September 11. The reference was sought by President Droupadi Murmu under Article 143(1) of the Constitution, following a Supreme Court ruling on April 8 concerning a Governor’s powers over bills passed by the Tamil Nadu government. In the five-page reference, the president raised 14 questions seeking clarity on the discretionary powers of Governors and the President under Articles 200 and 201 when dealing with state legislature bills. The verdict is expected to provide a definitive legal stance on whether judicial timelines can constrain constitutional discretion in legislative assent.
Adani secures JAL acquisition
Adani Enterprises has won creditor approval for its `14,535 crore bid to acquire bankrupt infrastructure company Jaiprakash Associates (JAL), outpacing Vedanta and Dalmia Cement. The Committee of Creditors (CoC) gave Adani 89 per cent of votes, with National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd controlling 86 per cent of the voting share. Adani’s offer includes `6,005 crore upfront and `7,600 crore deferred over two years, valued at approximately `12,000 crore in net present terms, compared to Vedanta’s back-ended five-year proposal.
BMC: Congress eyes NCP alliance
The Congress is exploring an alliance with its “natural ally,” the NCP (SP), ahead of the Mumbai civic elections expected in January 2026, even as it previously announced plans to contest the polls solo. A Congress delegation led by Mumbai chief Varsha Gaikwad met NCP chief Sharad Pawar to discuss cooperation, with Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule indicating support for decisions made in Maharashtra and Mumbai’s interest. The Congress ruled out joining hands with Raj Thackeray’s MNS, citing concerns over law and order and intimidation.
Tiger returns to Gujarat
Over 30 years after tigers vanished from Gujarat, a tiger has settled in Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary in Dahod district, sparking hopes for the revival of the species in the state, which is also home to Asiatic lions. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia confirmed that the tiger has been regularly captured on CCTV cameras since February 2025, showing it has established a permanent presence. Authorities have monitored the animal’s movements for nine months and relocated some herbivores to ensure an adequate prey base. The tiger appears healthy, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority has been notified to guide further conservation steps.
