Thu Sep 04 15:01:45 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article based on it:
**Summary:**
The Governor of Kerala, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, has sent two significant bills passed by the Kerala Assembly in March 2025 – the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025 and the Kerala University Laws (Amendment) Bills, 2025 – to the President for consideration. The move comes while the Supreme Court is deliberating whether to set timelines for Governors and the President to approve state-passed bills. The private universities bill, in particular, has faced opposition for potentially undermining university autonomy.
**News Article:**
**Kerala Governor Refers Private University, Amendment Bills to President Amid Court Deliberations**
**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – September 4, 2025 –** Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has referred the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025 and the Kerala University Laws (Amendment) Bills, 2025 to the President of India, escalating the legislative process. The bills, passed by the Kerala Assembly in March, had been awaiting the Governor’s assent.
The Governor’s decision arrives as the Supreme Court considers the contentious issue of whether courts can mandate deadlines for Governors and the President to act on legislation passed by state legislatures. This case adds a layer of complexity to the already sensitive issue of state-federal relations.
The Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill aims to permit the establishment of private universities within the state. However, it has been met with resistance, notably from the Congress-led Opposition United Democratic Front, who accuse the ruling Left Democratic Front government of attempting to erode university independence and transform them into government departments.
The bills will now be considered by the President, whose decision will ultimately determine their fate. The process is expected to be closely watched by both state and national political observers.