PMK welcomes Supreme Court verdict against TN Governor Ravi

IANS April 8, 2025 341 views

The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark verdict significantly restricting the powers of Governors in India's state legislative processes. The ruling specifically targets Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi's actions of withholding Bills passed by the state legislature. Political parties like PMK and DMK have welcomed the decision as a crucial step in protecting democratic governance. The judgment reinforces that Governors must act on the advice of elected state governments and cannot arbitrarily delay or block legislation.

"This judgment puts an end to the arbitrary practice of Governors sitting on Bills" - Dr. S. Ramadoss, PMK Founder
PMK welcomes Supreme Court verdict against TN Governor Ravi
Chennai, April 8: The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court’s verdict against Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, calling it a landmark ruling that strengthens state governments.

Key Points

1

Supreme Court limits Governor's discretionary powers on state Bills

2

Ruling mandates 4-month maximum for legislative approval

3

Decision impacts governance across Indian states

4

Court rejects arbitrary Bill withholding practices

In a statement, PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss said, “This judgment puts an end to the arbitrary practice of Governors sitting on Bills passed by State governments. It mandates that any Bill must be approved within a maximum of four months.”

He added, “Today’s verdict gives significant power back to State governments. It ensures that Governors can no longer delay or obstruct important legislation that serves the State’s interests.”

Dr. Ramadoss also urged the Tamil Nadu government to swiftly fill the vacant posts of Vice-Chancellors in eight state universities, emphasising the need to safeguard students’ futures.

The PMK, it may be recalled had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the BJP.

The Supreme Court’s ruling has drawn support from across the political spectrum.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President, K. Selvaperunthagai hailed the verdict, stating, “The top court has condemned the anti-people actions of the Governor and has sent a clear message against the deliberate delay in giving assent to Bills passed unanimously in the Assembly.”

He further said, “The ruling confirms that all powers lie with the elected government, while the Governor — being a nominal head — has only limited authority. The court has firmly rejected the BJP’s efforts to undermine the Constitution.”

DMK Rajya Sabha MP and Supreme Court advocate, S. Wilson also lauded the top court’s decision, saying, “This verdict applies not only to the Tamil Nadu Governor but to all Governors across India. As a result, the Governor ceases to be the Chancellor of State universities in Tamil Nadu with immediate effect.”

He added that the Supreme Court’s judgment also opens the door to legally challenge President Droupadi Murmu’s delay in giving assent to the NEET exemption Bill passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Governor R.N. Ravi acted illegally by withholding assent to 10 Bills, some of which have been pending since January 2020, and later sending them to the President after the Tamil Nadu legislature re-passed them.

A Bench, comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan held that the Governor had no authority to reserve a Bill for the President once it had been passed again by the Assembly in its original form.

The court stated that the Governor’s actions lacked bona fides and declared that the ten Bills were deemed to have received assent on the date they were re-presented to him.

The ruling emphasised that under Article 200 of the Constitution, the Governor has no discretionary power and must act on the aid and advice of the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers.

The court clarified that only a substantially-altered Bill can be reserved for the President’s assent upon re-presentation. It also ruled out the Governor’s ability to simply withhold assent.

The top court's decision came after a plea by the Tamil Nadu government challenged Governor Ravi's refusal to approve several state Assembly Bills. The state sought court intervention to compel the Governor to decide on Bills within a set timeframe.

Setting deadlines for governors to act on state legislation, the Bench ruled that inaction can be subject to judicial review.

—IANS

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Finally some clarity from the Supreme Court! Governors shouldn't be able to hold up important bills indefinitely. This is a win for democracy 🙌
R
Rajesh M.
While I agree with the verdict in principle, I wonder if a 4-month timeline is too short for complex bills that might need careful examination. The system needs checks and balances.
S
Saranya V.
As a student in one of those universities without VCs, I'm relieved! Hope this means we'll finally get proper leadership. The delay has affected our education quality.
A
Arjun P.
Interesting how PMK is praising this when they're allied with BJP. Shows even allies recognize when constitutional boundaries are crossed. Respect for speaking up!
M
Meena L.
This verdict sets an important precedent for all states. No more political games with important legislation! Now let's see if other governors will fall in line.
K
Karthik S.
The article mentions NEET exemption bill - does this mean TN students might finally get relief? That would be huge for medical aspirants from rural areas.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Supreme Court RN Ravi Tamil Nadu Governor PMK Dr. S. Ramadoss State Legislation Constitutional Powers
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