Supreme Court’s Landmark Intervention: Tamil Nadu Govt Wins Relief on Crucial Bills in Major SC Judgment

Governor vs. Government Conundrum Goes Beyond Tamil Nadu

A contentious conflict has been unfolding between state governments and their governors in recent times, with opposition-ruled states crying foul over prolonged delays in assenting to Bills. This has led to a wave of state governments approaching the Supreme Court, arguing that such conduct hinders day-to-day governance. The issue has transcended geographical boundaries, affecting states beyond Tamil Nadu.

In 2023, the Punjab government sought the top court’s intervention, alleging that Governors were wielding power without precedent. In a landmark judgment, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud rebuked Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, remind him that “real power vests with elected representatives of people in a parliamentary form of democracy”. When addressing the issue, the Chief Justice echoed the sentiment that Governors were overstepping their constitutional bounds and “playing with fire”.

Kerala has also been intimately affected by this conundrum. The state government had to move two separate petitions against Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, accusing him of deliberately stalling crucial Bills. These Bills aimed to address pressing public health concerns, including post-COVID fallout. Alike, the Kerala government alleged that the Governor was attempting to “defeat the rights of the people” by sitting out on these legislation.

In West Bengal, the state government has been mired in a similar issue. A collective of academicians, including former Vice Chancellors, has urged the state to approach the Supreme Court regarding Bills pending with the Governor. This has resulted in a logjam in the search and selection committees for 31 universities in the state.

This ongoing impasse has far-reaching implications for the functioning of state governments, stalling crucial legislation and hindering governance. As the national narrative continues to evolve, it remains crucial for Governors to recognize their limitations and work in tandem with elected representatives. Until then, this contentious issue is unlikely to unravel anytime soon.

Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-judgment-live-updates-governor-ravi-vs-tn-government-pending-bills/article69425841.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-04-08 12:06:00