Tue Apr 08 09:28:07 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Governor’s Actions Prompt Supreme Court Intervention, Sparking Multiple Controversies

**Chennai, April 8, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India has intervened in a series of controversies involving Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, effectively approving 10 bills he had delayed. This latest action highlights a pattern of clashes between the Governor and the state government, dating back to his appointment in September 2021.

Governor Ravi’s tenure has been marked by several high-profile disputes. These include:

* **Delayed assent to bills:** The Governor’s prolonged delays in approving bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly led to the Supreme Court’s intervention, deeming his inaction as approval. His previous claim that withholding assent equates to rejecting a bill was contradicted by the Supreme Court.

* **NEET exemption bill:** Governor Ravi refused to assent to a bill exempting Tamil Nadu students from the national medical entrance exam (NEET), despite its passage by the state assembly. He later stated he would never approve such a bill, a stance criticized by the Chief Justice of India.

* **Ministerial dismissals:** The Governor unilaterally dismissed a minister, V. Senthilbalaji, following his arrest, only to retract the decision hours later after consultation with the Union Home Minister. The lack of transparency surrounding this episode further fueled controversy.

* **Reinstatement of Minister:** Governor Ravi refused to reinstate a minister, K. Ponmudy, despite a Supreme Court order suspending his corruption conviction, an act deemed as defying the court by the Chief Justice of India.

* **Raj Bhavan attack:** Following a Molotov cocktail attack on the Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s office accused the police of downplaying the incident. The subsequent National Investigation Agency investigation contradicted the Raj Bhavan’s claims of multiple assailants.

These actions have repeatedly sparked political friction and legal challenges, raising concerns about the Governor’s role and responsibilities within the framework of the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and its impact on the functioning of the state government.

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