Supreme Court Rules Against Tamil Nadu Governor’s Bill Withholding
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi’s actions in withholding assent to 10 bills passed by the state legislature were “illegal” and “arbitrary.” The court emphasized that the Governor must either assent to bills, withhold assent, or reserve them for the President’s consideration, rejecting the notion of an absolute veto.
Governor’s Actions Deemed Arbitrary
The bench, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, criticized Governor Ravi’s decision to reserve the 10 bills for the President after delaying action for years. The court stated that this move was legally erroneous and must be set aside. Consequently, any subsequent actions taken upon these bills by the President are also invalid.
Timelines Established for Bill Processing
Establishing clear guidelines, the Supreme Court set a one-month deadline for Governors to withhold assent and reserve bills for the President’s review, with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. If a bill is presented after reconsideration by the state Assembly, the Governor must assent within a month. The court emphasized that any exercise of discretion by the Governor under Article 200 of the Constitution is subject to judicial review.
Clarification on Governor’s Powers
The court clarified that its ruling does not undermine the Governor’s powers but ensures that all actions align with the principles of parliamentary democracy. It emphasized that Governors should not create roadblocks for state legislatures and must act within the constitutional framework.
Background on Governor R.N. Ravi
Appointed as the Governor of Tamil Nadu in September 2021, R.N. Ravi, a former IPS officer with experience in the Central Bureau of Investigation, has had a contentious relationship with the MK Stalin-led state government. His tenure has been marked by disputes over bill approvals and appointments, with the state government accusing him of acting in a manner inconsistent with his constitutional role.
This Supreme Court verdict underscores the importance of timely legislative processes and reinforces the accountability of constitutional functionaries in upholding democratic principles.
