In a stern rebuke to both Punjab and Tamil Nadu governors, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived delays in approving bills cleared by the respective state assemblies. The court urged the governors not to deflect the course of legislation passed by duly elected assemblies, emphasizing the serious concern it poses to the democratic fabric of India.
The Punjab government had moved the Supreme Court, accusing Governor Banwarilal Purohit of “unconstitutional inaction” by withholding assent to seven bills, including those related to fiscal management and education. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing the Punjab government, argued that the delay had brought the entire administration to a “grinding halt” since the bills were sent for the governor’s approval in July.
The court directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to provide details of the action taken by Governor Banwarilal Purohit on the pending bills, highlighting the urgency of addressing the governance impact caused by the delay.
The feud between the Punjab governor and the Aam Aadmi Party government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has been a longstanding issue. The ongoing dispute has further intensified due to the delay in approving crucial bills, raising concerns about the functioning of the state administration.
Similarly, the Tamil Nadu government accused the governor of intentionally delaying bills sent for clearance, alleging that it undermined the will of the people. The friction between Chief Minister MK Stalin and Governor Ravi has been evident in clashes over pending bills, foreign trips, the Dravidian model of governance, and the governor’s remarks on the state’s name.
The Supreme Court’s unequivocal warning to both governors serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic principles and following established procedures in the legislative process. The court emphasized that such delays jeopardize the functioning of a parliamentary democracy and urged swift action on pending bills for the sake of effective governance.
Sources By Agencies
