The Supreme Court questioned Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi’s decision to refer Bills to the President after withholding assent, despite the constitutional requirement to grant assent if passed again by the Assembly.
Article 200 of the Constitution mandates that Governors must grant assent to Bills passed a second time by the legislature.
The Court ruled that if a Governor withholds assent, they must return the Bill to the legislature. If passed again, the Governor must grant assent.
The Attorney-General argued the Bills were referred due to potential conflict with central laws, specifically regarding vice-chancellor appointments.
The Governor delayed action on several Bills for years and did not raise concerns about their legality while withholding assent.
The Governor’s actions suggest a deliberate attempt to block Bills that don't align with his views.
The article urges the Union government to address the Governor’s actions, which challenge constitutional governance in Tamil Nadu.
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