🏛️ What Happened Between Tamil Nadu Govt & Governor RN Ravi?

 

 🏛️ What Happened Between Tamil Nadu Govt & Governor RN Ravi?

🔥 1. Supreme Court pulled up the Governor for delaying the bills.

Recently, on April 8, 2025, the Supreme Court gave a very strong and clear judgment. It said that Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi was wrong to just sit quietly on bills passed by the State Assembly. This kind of action is called "pocket veto", and the Court called it illegal.

👉 Governor cannot act like a king. He has to follow the Constitution and respect elected government.

⚡ 2. Why This Happened? (Background Story)

This fight started between Tamil Nadu's elected government (DMK, CM M.K. Stalin) and Governor RN Ravi. 

• The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed 10 bills – related to things like universities, social welfare, and local governance.
•  But the Governor did not approve, return, or forward those bills to the President. 
• He just kept them quietly – which is called a "pocket veto". 
• This stopped important work, created governance problems, and raised political tension.

So, the Tamil Nadu government went to the Supreme Court and said: “This is not fair. Governor is violating the Constitution!”

⚖️ 3. What Did Supreme Court Say? (Key Highlights)

This case was heard by Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan. Their decision is now considered a landmark for India.

🛑 A. Governor's Delay is Unconstitutional

1. Not acting on bills is against the Constitution.
2. Governor cannot just stay silent and block bills.
3. Democracy means power lies with elected leaders, not with a nominated Governor.

👉 Quote from Court:

“Governor is not a parallel government. He must follow his duties properly.”

👥 B. Governor Must Follow the Council of Ministers

4.As per Article 163 & 200 of the Constitution, the Governor must listen to the elected government

5.Governor is not free to act on his personal opinions or political bias.

6.He must take advice from the Chief Minister & Cabinet.

🚫 C. No Pocket Veto or Absolute Veto Allowed

7.Governor cannot reject bills forever without giving a reason (no “absolute veto”).

8.Governor cannot ignore bills without any reply (no “pocket veto”).

9.If the Assembly passes a bill again, the Governor must sign it unless big changes are made.

⏱️ D. Clear Timeline Given by Court

10. Supreme Court made rules for Governors to act on time

Action by Governor Deadline

Approve / Send to President                    Within 1 month

Return for reconsideration Within 3 months

If re-passed by Assembly Must approve within 1 month

✅ This stops delays and brings accountability.

🔍 E. Governor’s Actions Can Be Checked by Court

11.Court said, if Governor is doing wrong or political things, it can be checked by the Judiciary.

12.So, Governor cannot misuse power silently.

4. Why This Is a Landmark Verdict?

🌿 A. Federalism Became Stronger

13.Shows that States are not slaves to Governors.

14.States have the right to make laws and get respect from Governors.

🗳️ B. Democracy Got Protected

15.Elected leaders must have the final say – not unelected Governors.

🛑 C. Misuse of Governor Post is Controlled

16.Governors (often appointed by Central Govt) cannot block opposition-run state governments.

🔊 5. Reaction from People

• CM M.K. Stalin: Called it a “historic win for democracy.”
• Legal Experts: Said this ruling is “a turning point” in Indian Constitution.
• Other States Watching: Like Kerala, Telangana – where similar issues are happening.

🔁 Flow Diagram – TN Govt vs Governor Case

A[TN Assembly Passes 10 Bills] --> B[Governor Does Nothing]

B --> C[TN Govt Goes to Supreme Court]

C --> D[SC Says Governor's Delay is Illegal]

D --> E[Governor Must Act in Timeline]

E --> F[Verdict Strengthens Democracy & State Rights]

📝 UPSC Prelims – MCQs (Objective Type)
Q1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the recent 
Supreme Court judgment on Governors withholding assent to state bills?

The Governor can indefinitely delay a bill passed by the State Legislature.
The Governor is bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
The Supreme Court fixed timelines for the Governor’s action on bills.
Pocket veto is allowed under Article 200 of the Constitution.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only ✅

C) 1, 2 and 4 only

D) 2, 3 and 4 only


Q2. Consider the following Articles of the Constitution:
Article 163
Article 200
Article 356
Article 123



Q3. Which of the above articles are directly related to the
 Governor’s role in bill assent?

A) 1 and 2 only ✅

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 4 only

D) 1, 2 and 4 only


Q4. What is meant by the term "pocket veto" in the Indian context?

A) The power of the President to reject money bills

B) The delay in giving assent to a bill without taking any action ✅

C) The Governor's power to dissolve the Assembly

D) The power of the Parliament to override the President’s veto