SC pulls up T.N. Governor, sets deadline to clear Bills, Pg 1

Key Highlights

Supreme Court Criticism of Governor’s Inaction

• SC termed Governor R.N. Ravi’s delay on 10 re-passed Bills as “unconstitutional”.

• Declared that the Bills were deemed to have received assent, as the Governor failed to act in a timely manner.

Time Frame Specified by SC

• 1 month to withhold assent based on Cabinet advice.

• 3 months to return a Bill with objections.

• Must grant assent within 1 month if the Bill is re-passed by the Assembly.

Article 200 Interpretation

• Article 200 provides 3 options: assent, withhold, or reserve for President.

• SC said Governors cannot sit indefinitely and must act with “expediency”, not become a “hindrance”.

Reiterated Role of Governor

• Governor should act as a "friend, guide and philosopher", not as a roadblock.

• Aims to ensure legislative process is respected in State-Centre dynamics.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Reinforces constitutional accountability of Gubernatorial discretion.

• Future reforms could involve time-bound legislative clearances and curbs on executive overreach.

Mains Mock Question:

"Critically examine the constitutional role of the Governor in the legislative process. How does the recent Supreme Court verdict aim to uphold legislative federalism?"