Supreme Court Reviews Governor’s Role in Bill Assent: Tamil Nadu Case

CURRENT AFFAIRS: Governor Assent Delay Case 2025, Supreme Court on Article 200, Tamil Nadu vs RN Ravi, State Bill Approval Powers, Pocket Veto by Governor, Governor Legislative Powers India, Indian Constitution Article 200, State-Centre Relations, Constitutional Role of Governor, Judicial Review of Governor’s Powers

Supreme Court Reviews Governor’s Role in Bill Assent: Tamil Nadu Case

Legal Clash over Legislative Assent

Supreme Court Reviews Governor’s Role in Bill Assent: Tamil Nadu Case: A constitutional debate is unfolding in the Supreme Court of India, as it evaluates the powers of State Governors in the legislative process, particularly their role in granting assent to state Bills. This follows a petition by the Tamil Nadu government, which claims that Governor RN Ravi delayed acting on several Bills, thereby undermining the state’s democratic processes. The case sheds light on the long-standing tension between elected state governments and centrally appointed Governors.

The Debate over Article 200

At the heart of the dispute is Article 200 of the Indian Constitution, which deals with a Governor’s actions on Bills passed by the state legislature. It gives the Governor three choices: grant assent, withhold assent, or reserve the Bill for the President. If a Bill is returned and re-passed, the Governor is constitutionally required to assent, unless it involves judicial powers or constitutional violations. However, no timeframe is defined in Article 200, leading to what’s being described as a “pocket veto”—delaying assent indefinitely without formal rejection.

Recent Tensions in Tamil Nadu

Since September 2021, when RN Ravi became Tamil Nadu’s Governor, friction has increased. The state approached the Supreme Court in November 2023, highlighting that multiple Bills remained pending since early 2023. These include crucial reforms related to education, social welfare, and state governance. The Supreme Court, in its oral remarks, warned that Governors are not elected representatives and should respect the legislative process by avoiding undue delays.

Legal Questions Under Review

The Court is examining several critical issues:

  • Can the Governor refuse assent after a Bill has been re-passed by the Assembly?
  • Is the power to refer Bills to the President bound by constitutional limits?
  • Does indefinite delay violate the spirit of democracy?
  • Should a specific time limit be set for Governors to act on Bills?

These questions could lead to a landmark ruling that shapes the balance of power between states and the Centre.

Governor’s Constitutional Position

The Governor is the highest constitutional authority in a State, acting as both a nominal head and a Central government representative. While the Governor has executive, legislative, financial, and judicial powers, these are generally exercised based on the advice of the Council of Ministers. The only exceptions arise in matters like recommending President’s Rule or referring certain Bills to the President.

Powers and Responsibilities of the Governor

Executive Powers: Includes appointment of the Chief Minister, Advocate General, State Election Commissioner, and members of the State Public Service Commission. The Governor can also recommend President’s Rule and act as Chancellor of State Universities.

Legislative Powers: The Governor can summon, prorogue, and dissolve the Legislature. They can nominate members, address sessions, return Bills (except Money Bills), and issue Ordinances when the Assembly is not in session.

Financial Powers: Manages the State Budget process, approves Money Bills, and authorizes spending from the Contingency Fund. Also forms a State Finance Commission every five years.

Judicial Powers: Can pardon or commute sentences for state crimes, and is consulted in High Court judicial appointments.

Static GK Snapshot

Topic Detail
Constitutional Article Article 200 – Governor’s options on State Bills
Case in Focus Tamil Nadu vs Governor RN Ravi
Main Legal Issue Delay in assent to State Legislature Bills
Court Involved Supreme Court of India
Powers Under Review Legislative powers of Governor
Key Term Pocket Veto – indefinite delay of Bill assent
State’s Argument Delays violate democratic process
Governor’s Constitutional Role Nominal Head of State; acts on Ministerial advice
Related Articles Article 163 (Council of Ministers), Article 201 (Reservation for President)
Possible Impact Clarity on Governor’s limits, timeline for assent, federal balance
Supreme Court Reviews Governor’s Role in Bill Assent: Tamil Nadu Case
  1. The Supreme Court is reviewing the Governor’s delay in Bill assent in the Tamil Nadu vs RN Ravi
  2. The dispute centers on Article 200 of the Indian Constitution, which governs Governor’s options on state Bills.
  3. A Governor can grant assent, withhold assent, or reserve a Bill for the President under Article 200.
  4. Tamil Nadu alleges that Governor RN Ravi is using a “pocket veto” by delaying Bills without formal action.
  5. Pocket veto refers to an indefinite delay in decision-making without rejecting the Bill.
  6. The case questions whether a Governor can delay or refuse assent after a Bill is re-passed by the Assembly.
  7. The Supreme Court warned that Governors are not elected representatives and must respect democratic processes.
  8. The petition highlights Bills related to education, social justice, and state governance reforms.
  9. No time limit is specified in Article 200, leading to a demand for a fixed timeline for Bill assent.
  10. The Court is evaluating whether indefinite delay violates constitutional principles and federalism.
  11. Governor’s constitutional powers are primarily ceremonial and should be exercised with ministerial advice.
  12. Under executive powers, the Governor appoints the Chief Minister, Advocate General, and State Election Commissioner.
  13. Legislative powers include summoning, proroguing, and dissolving the Legislature, and addressing sessions.
  14. The Governor can return non-Money Bills, nominate MLAs, and issue Ordinances when the Assembly is not in session.
  15. Financial powers involve approving Money Bills, handling the Contingency Fund, and forming the State Finance Commission.
  16. The Governor’s judicial role includes pardon, reprieve, and involvement in High Court appointments.
  17. The conflict raises concerns about state autonomy and the balance of power between Centre and States.
  18. Article 201 also becomes relevant when a Bill is reserved for the President’s consideration.
  19. The Court may mandate a clear constitutional timeline for Governor’s decision on Bills.
  20. A ruling in this case could redefine the constitutional role of Governors and reinforce federal accountability.

Q1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution outlines the Governor's options on State Legislature Bills?


Q2. What is the constitutional issue being debated in the Supreme Court regarding the Governor of Tamil Nadu?


Q3. What term is used to describe the Governor delaying assent without formal rejection?


Q4. Who appoints the Governor of a State in India?


Q5. According to the Supreme Court's observation, what should Governors avoid in their role?


Your Score: 0

Daily Current Affairs February 9

Descriptive CA PDF

One-Liner CA PDF

MCQ CA PDF​

CA PDF Tamil

Descriptive CA PDF Tamil

One-Liner CA PDF Tamil

MCQ CA PDF Tamil

CA PDF Hindi

Descriptive CA PDF Hindi

One-Liner CA PDF Hindi

MCQ CA PDF Hindi

News of the Day

Premium

National Tribal Health Conclave 2025: Advancing Inclusive Healthcare for Tribal India
New Client Special Offer

20% Off

Aenean leo ligulaconsequat vitae, eleifend acer neque sed ipsum. Nam quam nunc, blandit vel, tempus.