Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday hailed the Supreme Court’s decision striking down Governor R.N. Ravi’s move to withhold approval and reserve 10 re-enacted bills for presidential assent, calling it a resounding win for state autonomy and a reaffirmation of federal principles.
Addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Stalin described the verdict as a victory not just for Tamil Nadu, but for all states striving to safeguard their legislative powers against what he termed "repeated obstruction by Union-nominated Governors."
“We thank and welcome today’s historic judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, reaffirming the legislative rights of State Legislatures and putting an end to the trend of Union government-nominated Governors stalling progressive legislative reforms in Opposition-ruled states,” Stalin said in a post on X.
The top court’s ruling comes as a major boost to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led government, which had been locked in a prolonged tussle with Governor Ravi over several bills passed by the state assembly. Among them were key pieces of legislation aimed at improving governance and streamlining administration—many of which had been re-passed after being initially withheld.
Stalin asserted that the verdict upholds the Constitution’s federal spirit and signals a shift away from unilateralism in center-state dynamics. “This is another crucial step in restoring balance in Union–State relations and a landmark victory in Tamil Nadu’s continuous struggle to usher in a truly federal India,” he said.
SC Calls Out Governor's Delay
The Supreme Court, in its strong-worded judgment, criticized the Governor’s delay in acting on the bills and deemed the attempt to indefinitely hold back re-enacted laws as “unconstitutional.” Legal experts say the ruling sets a precedent that strengthens state legislatures' autonomy in the face of growing central interference.
The confrontation between Governor Ravi and the DMK government has intensified in recent years, with Ravi often accused of sitting on key legislation for months without providing clear reasons. The ruling could put an end to what many regional parties have called an "undemocratic practice" aimed at politically weakening Opposition-ruled states.
Political Reactions Pour In
The DMK's allies and other Opposition leaders across India welcomed the verdict, viewing it as a judicial endorsement of federalism. Tamil Nadu’s legal team, which argued the case in court, also drew praise from Stalin, who credited their dedication and preparation for the favorable outcome.
With this ruling, the Supreme Court has effectively reinforced the boundaries between gubernatorial powers and legislative functioning—strengthening the call for cooperative federalism in a diverse democracy.
