Supreme Court on Tamil Nadu Governor and 10 Bills: Federalism
Why in the news
The Supreme Court scrutinised Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi’s handling of 10 State Bills, a ruling seen as a turning point for Centre-State relations and federalism.
Key facts
- Bills: re-adopted by the Assembly, they move the power to appoint Vice-Chancellors from the Governor to the State.
- Holding: the Bills are deemed to have received assent.
- Censure: sending them to the President was not bona fide, arbitrary, non est and erroneous in law.
- Timelines: clear limits for Governors to act on State laws, ending indefinite delay.
Impact on Tamil Nadu
The State can fill Vice-Chancellor posts in 12 universities, on merit, integrity and competence.
Significance
- More transparency, accountability and constitutional morality in Raj Bhavans.
- Governors must act as neutral constitutional heads, not political agents of the Centre.
- Reinforces the judiciary’s role in federal values and cooperative federalism.
Exam angle
- Governor: R.N. Ravi; Bills: 10; universities: 12; concept: deemed assent.