Tue Apr 08 09:38:03 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Upholds Tamil Nadu Assembly’s Legislative Rights, Rebukes Governor

**Chennai, April 8, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark ruling today, effectively overturning Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi’s refusal to assent to several state bills. The court declared that the bills, which had been passed by the state assembly and subsequently resubmitted to the Governor, are now considered to have received his assent.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin hailed the decision as “historic,” a victory for state governments across India, and a crucial step towards strengthening federalism. He emphasized that the ruling ends a pattern of Governors, appointed by the Union government, delaying or blocking legislative reforms in opposition-ruled states.

The Supreme Court strongly criticized Governor Ravi’s actions, stating his reservation of 10 bills for presidential consideration violated constitutional provisions. The court clarified that under Article 200 of the Constitution, the Governor has no discretion and must act on the advice of the council of ministers. The Governor’s attempts to use a “pocket veto” – withholding assent indefinitely – were also deemed unconstitutional. The court asserted that the Governor’s only options are to assent to a bill or to withhold assent and refer it to the President for consideration – but not after the bill has been passed a second time by the legislature.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the Governor had returned several bills after their initial passage by the assembly. Despite being re-passed, the Governor still refused to grant assent, prompting the state government to approach the Supreme Court. The court ultimately sided with the state government, leading to today’s decisive ruling.

The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the relationship between state governments and the Union government, particularly regarding the role of state governors. The conflict between the DMK government and Governor Ravi has been a point of contention for some time. This Supreme Court decision is viewed as a significant win for the state government and a reinforcement of the legislative power of state assemblies.

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