Governor’s Recent Decision
Governor Assents to Nine Key Tamil Nadu Bills: Governor R N Ravi has recently given assent to nine out of 18 Bills passed during the winter session of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. This development marks a significant shift in the ongoing Centre–State relations between the Governor’s office and the Tamil Nadu government.
Among the Bills approved is the Tamil Nadu Fiscal Responsibility (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was initially returned by the Governor in February 2024 but was later re-adopted and approved.
Static GK fact: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has 234 members and plays a vital role in state policymaking under Article 168 of the Indian Constitution.
Compliance with Constitutional Duties
Governor Ravi’s assent signifies an important step towards constitutional compliance, especially after the Supreme Court’s observation that Governors should not delay or withhold Bills indefinitely. The Court emphasized that such delays undermine responsible governance and the legislative supremacy of elected assemblies.
This is the first time Governor Ravi has approved a Bill that he had previously sent back to the Assembly, signaling cooperation after a period of friction with the State government.
Static GK Tip: Article 200 of the Indian Constitution outlines the Governor’s powers to grant assent, withhold assent, or return a Bill (except Money Bills) for reconsideration.
Pending and Withdrawn Bills
As of October 31, eight Bills remain pending with the Governor’s office, including the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2025, which was originally adopted in 2022 and returned with suggestions for amendment.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was withdrawn by the State government following criticism from legislators and educationists. This withdrawal showcases the government’s responsiveness to public and legislative feedback.
Static GK fact: The Siddha system of medicine, recognized under the AYUSH Ministry, has deep roots in Tamil Nadu’s traditional medical practice.
List of Bills Approved
The following Bills were approved by the Governor:
- Tamil Nadu Payment of Salaries (Amendment) Bill
- Tamil Nadu Repealing Bill
- Tamil Nadu Repealing (Second) Bill
- Tamil Nadu Highways (Amendment) Bill
- Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (Amendment) Bill
- Tamil Nadu Tax on Consumption or Sale of Electricity (Amendment) Bill
- Tamil Nadu Private Colleges (Regulation) Amendment Bill
- Tamil Nadu Appropriation (No.6) Bill
- Tamil Nadu Fiscal Responsibility (Amendment) Bill, 2024
These Bills collectively cover administration, infrastructure, finance, and education, demonstrating a wide legislative agenda during the winter session.
Significance for Tamil Nadu
This event highlights the evolving Governor–State relationship and reinforces the need for timely decision-making in the assent process. It also underlines the role of judicial intervention in maintaining the balance of powers between constitutional offices.
Static GK Tip: The Governor serves as the constitutional head of the State and is appointed under Article 155 by the President of India.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Governor Assents to Nine Key Tamil Nadu Bills:
| Topic | Detail |
| Governor | R N Ravi |
| Total Bills Adopted in Winter Session | 18 |
| Bills Approved | 9 |
| Returned Bill Reapproved | Tamil Nadu Fiscal Responsibility (Amendment) Bill, 2024 |
| Pending Bills | 8 |
| Withdrawn Bill | Tamil Nadu Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2025 |
| Constitutional Article for Assent | Article 200 |
| Supreme Court Observation | Governors must not delay or withhold assent indefinitely |
| First-time Action | Governor approved a Bill previously returned |
| Legislative Body | Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly |
