SC rap for Governor

The Supreme Court’s strictures against Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi should serve as a warning to the Centre’s appointees across the country, particularly in states where the BJP is not in power. In a major victory for the DMK government, the court has ruled that Ravi’s decision to reserve 10 Bills for the President’s consideration was illegal, arbitrary and against constitutional provisions. The overarching message is that the Governor must ideally be the state government’s friend, philosopher and guide; he or she should not let political considerations undermine his or her allegiance to the Constitution.

Confrontations between chief ministers and governors have become the norm in states ruled by Opposition parties. In recent years, the situation has worsened in Tamil Nadu, where the MK Stalin government has been at loggerheads with Governor Ravi over a number of issues, most importantly the inordinate delay in granting assent to Bills passed by the state legislature. In 2023, the Governor went to the extent of dismissing a tainted minister from the state Cabinet without consulting the CM. The Union Home Ministry had to intervene to undo the wrong that was aimed at cutting the state dispensation down to size.

It is a no-brainer that good governance must be the top priority of both the CM and the Governor. The apex court has rightly observed that the members of the legislature, being elected representatives, are better attuned to ensuring the wellbeing of the people of the state. Creating roadblocks for political reasons does not behove the holder of a constitutional office. The Centre would also be well-advised to desist from giving governors carte blanche to impede the functioning of state governments. This can help in restoring much-needed balance in Union-state relations. The focus must be on encouraging harmonious CM-Governor ties so that the state’s all-round progress is not derailed by unsavoury rows.

Editorials