In response to the recent Supreme Court ruling emphasizing that a governor cannot withhold key Bills passed by a state legislature, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has returned Bills sent to him by the government for approval. This development comes just days after the apex court expressed “serious concern” over the pendency of bills in Tamil Nadu and other states.

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Despite the returned Bills, Tamil Nadu is gearing up for a swift resolution. A special sitting of the Assembly is scheduled for November 18, where the state government aims to reintroduce and pass the Bills promptly. Speaker M Appavu, addressing reporters in Tiruvannamalai, confirmed the special session’s purpose, citing the return of Bills by Governor Ravi.

This move follows the Supreme Court’s observation during the hearing of the DMK government’s plea, stating, “The issues raise a matter of serious concern. From the tabulated statement, it appears that as many as 12 bills which have been submitted to the governor under Art 200 have not elicited further action. Other matters such as proposals of grant of sanction, premature release of prisoners, appointments are pending.”

In Tamil Nadu, the backlog included at least 12 bills, along with four official orders and a file related to the premature release of 54 prisoners. The exact number of bills returned by Governor Ravi remains unclear, as the Assembly had adjourned sine die in October.

This development aligns with the broader trend of Opposition-ruled states taking legal recourse against their respective Governors over pending Bills. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab, along with Telangana earlier, have approached the Supreme Court in pursuit of swift legislative action.

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As Tamil Nadu readies for the special Assembly sitting, the political and legal landscape continues to witness dynamic shifts, underscoring the significance of constitutional principles in the functioning of state governance.