'A historic judgement...': TN CM Stalin welcomes SC ruling on Governor's assent to bills

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday hailed the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi’s refusal to grant assent to several bills passed by the State Assembly.

Speaking in the Assembly, Stalin referred to the ruling as "a historic victory not just for Tamil Nadu but for all the states in India."

Earlier today, Supreme Court came down heavily on Tamil Nadu Governor and said reservation of 10 Bills by him for consideration of the president was in contravention of constitutional provisions.

A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said that under Article 200 of the Constitution, the governor does not possess any discretion and has to mandatorily act on the aid and advice of the council of ministers.

Stalin elaborated on the significance of the ruling, saying, "I would like to inform this House about the good news. Our Tamil Nadu government has secured a historic judgement. The Governor returned various Bills, which were passed in this Assembly, without granting assent. Tamil Nadu initiated a case before the Supreme Court, and the court has ruled that withholding assent is illegal... This is a big victory not only for Tamil Nadu but for all the states in India. This judgment is a victory for all state governments."

The case involved several important bills, including those related to the appointment of Vice Chancellors to state universities, a matter that had sparked significant political debate in Tamil Nadu. The Governor’s refusal to grant assent had led to a stand-off between the state and the Governor, with many accusing the latter of acting beyond constitutional boundaries.