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The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Saturday, in a Special Session, again passed 10 Bills for which Governor R.N. Ravi had earlier withheld assent.
Governor State Government issue in Tamilnadu
The relationship between the Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi, and the state government has been strained in recent months due to a number of issues, including the Governor's delay in assenting to bills passed by the state legislature.
In October 2023, the TN government filed a petition in the SC accusing the Governor of "deliberately hindering governance" by withholding assent to several bills.
The SC has expressed concern over the delay in governors acting on bills.
SC states, governors cannot sit on key bills passed by the legislature.
However, it has also said that governors have a right to seek clarifications from the state government on bills before assenting to them.
In November 2023, the SC issued a notice to the Union of India and the Attorney General of India to be present in court when the case is listed for next hearing.
The court has also asked the Tamil Nadu government to file a rejoinder to the Governor's response to its petition.
The issue of the Governor's delay in assenting to bills is likely to continue to be a source of tension between the Governor and the state government in the coming months.
The Governor's delay in assenting to the NEET Exemption Bill, which was passed by the state legislature in February 2023.
The Governor's refusal to assent to a bill that would have banned online gambling.
The Governor's withholding of assent to eight bills pertaining to universities.
Article 200 of the Constitution
Article 200 of the Constitution of India deals with the assent of the Governor to Bills passed by the State Legislature.
It outlines the Governor's options in dealing with a bill presented to him for assent.
Assent: The Governor can assent to the bill, making it a law of the state.
Withhold Assent: The Governor can withhold assent to the bill, effectively preventing it from becoming a law. This is usually done when the Governor has concerns about the legality or constitutionality of the bill.
Reserve the Bill for the Consideration of the President: This is usually done when the bill deals with matters that fall within the central government's domain or when the Governor has serious doubts about its legality or constitutionality.
Article 200 also provides for the Governor's power to return a non-money bill to the State Legislature for reconsideration.
If the State Legislature passes the bill again with or without amendments, the Governor must assent to it.
The Governor's power to assent to bills is a crucial aspect of the checks and balances in the Indian federal system.
It ensures that state laws are not in conflict with the Constitution or the laws of the central government.
The Governor's power is not absolute and is subject to judicial review.
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