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TN CM Stalin Seeks Timelines For Governor Assent
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has said his government will continue to push for a constitutional amendment to fix mandatory timelines for governors to act on state bills. His remarks came after the Supreme Court issued its advisory opinion reaffirming that governors do not have an absolute veto or the power to indefinitely withhold assent.
Stalin’s Stand On Legislative Delays
Stalin said the Supreme Court’s view aligns with parts of the April 2025 judgment that clarified the limits of a governor’s authority. However, he stressed that without a constitutional amendment specifying deadlines, bills could still face unnecessary delays. He added that ensuring timely assent is essential for protecting the rights of elected state governments.
Constitutional Context
The April 2025 ruling stated that a governor must either return a bill for reconsideration, grant assent or reserve it for the President, but cannot hold it indefinitely. Stalin argued that clear timelines would strengthen federalism and prevent administrative bottlenecks.
Next Steps For Tamil Nadu
The Chief Minister indicated that Tamil Nadu may pass a resolution urging Parliament to introduce an amendment. Any such change would require a special majority in Parliament and ratification by at least half of the states. The issue is expected to spark debate on the role of governors and state autonomy.
