TN Governor is taking on, defying the Supreme Court: CJI Chandrachud

The Supreme Court has issued a scathing rebuke to Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi for refusing to re-induct a DMK leader as a minister, despite suspending his conviction. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, minced no words as he questioned the Governor's adherence to constitutional principles, posing a critical question to the Centre, "If the Governor does not follow the Constitution, what does the government do?"

The bench, comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, has set a strict deadline for Governor Ravi, giving him just one day to appoint DMK's K Ponmudi as a minister. This ultimatum comes after the MK Stalin government approached the Supreme Court following Ravi's refusal to reinstate Ponmudi into the state cabinet, citing concerns about "Constitutional morality."

K Ponmudi, who faced disqualification as an MLA after the Madras High Court overturned his acquittal in an assets case, had his conviction suspended by the Supreme Court along with the sentence of a two-year jail term. Despite this legal reprieve, Governor Ravi stood firm in his decision, sparking a legal and constitutional standoff.

The Chief Justice expressed grave concern over Governor Ravi's actions, accusing him of "defying the Supreme Court" and emphasizing the Governor's role as a ceremonial head of the state within the framework of parliamentary democracy. Justice Pardiwala echoed similar sentiments, asserting that once a conviction is stayed, it cannot taint an individual's eligibility for ministerial appointment.

This clash between the Tamil Nadu Governor's office and the MK Stalin government marks the latest episode in a series of confrontations since Ravi assumed office in 2021. The DMK government has repeatedly accused him of obstructing its legislative agenda, with previous disputes extending to delays in clearing Bills and requests for Ravi's removal from his gubernatorial post.

The standoff has even reached the highest echelons of power, with Chief Minister Stalin petitioning President Droupadi Murmu last year to remove Ravi from his position. The rift underscores broader tensions between the state government and the Governor's office, highlighting the complexities of governance and the delicate balance of power within India's federal structure.

As the deadline looms, all eyes are on Governor Ravi's response and whether he will comply with the Supreme Court's directive. The outcome of this legal battle is poised to have far-reaching implications for the relationship between state governments and gubernatorial authorities, setting a precedent for constitutional interpretations and executive authority in the country.