New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday made an important comment on the long-running tussle between the Governor and the state government in Tamil Nadu. The Supreme Court clearly said that it is completely unconstitutional for the Governor to stop any bill or postpone the decision on it indefinitely. This decision has come in the context of the ongoing dispute between the Tamil Nadu government and Governor RN Ravi over 10 bills, which the Governor had kept on hold for the President’s consideration.

Court’s strict comment

The bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, while hearing the case, cited Article 200 of the Constitution. The bench said, “The Governor has no right to stop or veto the bill. The Constitution obliges him to follow the advice of the Council of Ministers.” The court further clarified that the Governor has only two options – either approve the bill, or send it to the President. Under Article 200, the Governor does not have the freedom to arbitrarily disrupt the legislative process.

Justice Pardiwala said in a stern tone, “The Governor cannot adopt a ‘pocket veto’ by delaying approval nor can he put the bill in cold storage. This is a violation of the constitutional framework.” The court emphasized that the post of Governor is constitutional, not a source of independent power.

What is the controversy in Tamil Nadu?

This matter heated up when Governor RN Ravi decided to send the 10 bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly to the President instead of approving them. These bills included many important proposals related to education, health and administrative reforms. The ruling DMK government of the state had knocked the door of the Supreme Court, calling it an attack on constitutional rights. The government argued that this move of the Governor is weakening the legislative process and is an insult to the mandate of the people.

Relief for Tamil Nadu government

This comment of the Supreme Court has brought great relief to the Tamil Nadu government. Welcoming the decision, Chief Minister MK Stalin said, “This is a victory for democracy and the Constitution. The Governor has to respect the voice of the elected representatives of the people.” This decision can set a precedent not only for Tamil Nadu, but also across the country regarding the balance of power between the governor and the governments.

Opinion of constitutional experts

Constitutional expert Professor Anil Gupta says, “This decision redefines the role of the governor. Article 200 makes it clear that the governor’s job is to implement the decision of the legislature, not to obstruct it. This comment will be a guide in cases where the governor acts arbitrarily.” He believes that this decision will prove helpful in strengthening the balance between the Center and the states.

Human perspective

This dispute is not just a legal issue, but is also related to the lives of common people. Ramesh Selvan, a school teacher from Tamil Nadu, says, “These bills had issues like education and health, which are important for us. Due to the delay of the governor, we felt that our needs were being ignored. Now the court’s decision has raised hopes.” This comment also underlines the trust that the public has in the elected government.

What next?

After this comment of the Supreme Court, all eyes are now on Governor RN Ravi. Will he approve these bills or will he take a new path? The Tamil Nadu government is considering it as its moral victory, but experts say that this decision will not completely end the tension between the governor and the government. Political analyst Sudha Ramani says, “This is an important step, but both sides will have to increase mutual dialogue so that such conflicts can be avoided in future.”

Victory of constitutional framework

This decision is a message not only for Tamil Nadu but for the entire country that the Constitution is supreme. The post of Governor is respectable, but his powers are not unlimited. The Supreme Court has made it clear that delay in the legislative process is against the constitutional spirit. Now it remains to be seen in which direction this comment takes the political relations in Tamil Nadu.

(The author is an independent legal journalist. This article is based on facts and expert opinion.)