The Supreme Court has instructed Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi to meet with Chief Minister MK Stalin in order to resolve the ongoing issue regarding the delay in clearing bills. The court suggested that the governor invite the chief minister for a discussion to resolve the impasse. This directive came after senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing the state government, informed the court that the governor had referred the ten bills re-adopted by the assembly to President Droupadi Murmu.
Justice D Y Chandrachud, heading the bench, stated that the governor believed the bills re-adopted by the assembly should not be reserved for the president. The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on the matter for December 11.
Earlier this month, Mr. Ravi returned ten bills, including two that were passed by the previous AIADMK government. In response, the Tamil Nadu Assembly held a special session to re-adopt all ten bills, which were then sent back to the governor for his assent. The state government has accused the BJP-appointed governor of intentionally delaying the bills’ clearance and obstructing the state’s progress by undermining the elected administration.
The government claimed that the governor’s refusal to give assent based on personal preferences is undemocratic and against the interests of the people. It emphasized that if the bills are passed in the assembly again and sent to the governor, he cannot withhold his assent. These allegations prompted the Supreme Court to express serious concern on November 10 while hearing a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Government. The court highlighted the issue of governors delaying their assent to bills passed by the state assemblies.
