Chennai, Tamil Nadu – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has vowed to establish firm deadlines for the Governor’s action on state legislation. This comes amid a prolonged standoff concerning university Bills and vice-chancellor appointments in the state. Chief Minister Stalin stated the Supreme Court’s recent advisory opinion upholds the elected government’s authority.
Stalin affirmed the Supreme Court’s advice reinforced that the elected government must remain in the “driver’s seat.” He added that a state cannot have two executive power centres. These statements follow the state government’s challenge to Governor RN Ravi’s decisions in the Supreme Court.
State Challenges Governor’s Bill Reservations
The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court to contest the Governor’s actions. Governor Ravi reserved two critical higher-education Bills for the President’s consideration. These Bills are the Kalaignar University Bill, 2025 , and the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University (Amendment) Bill, 2025 .
Chief Minister Stalin asserted that the Governor lacks a “fourth option” to indefinitely block or “pocket veto” a Bill. He criticized “prolonged, unexplained, and deliberate delay” in processing legislation. This delay prompted the state to seek legal accountability through the courts.
Supreme Court’s Prior Ruling on Governor’s Powers
A five-judge Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice BR Gavai, issued a unanimous judgment on April 8 . This ruling clarified the Governor’s options under the first proviso of Article 200 of the Constitution. The Governor has three choices: grant assent, reserve the Bill for the President, or withhold assent and return the Bill for state legislature reconsideration.
The Court stated the Governor can only withhold assent a second time. After reconsideration by the legislature, the Governor must either grant assent or reserve the Bill. The April 8 judgment restricted the Governor’s ability to block state legislation indefinitely.
Key University Bills Remain Stalled
The Kalaignar University Bill proposes establishing a new state university in Kumbakonam. This university would be formed by bifurcating Bharathidasan University. The Bill also designates the Chief Minister as the first vice-chancellor. Governor Ravi has cited this provision as a potential violation of University Grants Commission (UGC) norms.
The state’s petition argues the Governor’s action is “illegal, patently unconstitutional, void-ab-initio.” It contends the actions violate Articles 163(1) and 200 of the Constitution. These articles mandate the Governor to act on the aid and advice of the state Cabinet, except where discretion is explicitly permitted.
Another pending petition concerns the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University (Amendment) Bill . This Bill aims to empower the state government with authority to appoint and remove the vice-chancellor for that university. Both Bills represent the state government’s efforts to increase its control over higher education administration.
Push for Constitutional Amendments
Chief Minister Stalin referenced the 1974 St. Xavier’s College judgment . He stated that Supreme Court advisory opinions hold no more weight than opinions from law officers. Tamil Nadu plans to advocate for constitutional amendments. These amendments would legally mandate specific timelines for Governors to clear legislative Bills. This move aims to prevent future legislative deadlocks and ensure timely governance.