Stalin emphasised that all constitutional authorities must function strictly within the constitutional framework and that Governors cannot invent an option to indefinitely withhold Bills.
Published Nov 21, 2025 | 2:13 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 21, 2025 | 5:32 PM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Synopsis: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reiterated that the struggle for state rights and true federalism will continue, insisting that there can be no rest until the Constitution is amended to fix mandatory timelines for Governors to act on Bills passed by State legislatures.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reiterated that the struggle for state rights and true federalism will continue, insisting that there can be no rest until the Constitution is amended to fix mandatory timelines for Governors to act on Bills passed by State legislatures.
Reacting to the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion in the Presidential Reference case, he said the opinion will not affect the 8 April judgement in the State of Tamil Nadu vs. Governor of Tamil Nadu case.
He added that the bench has reaffirmed several key principles, including that the elected government must remain in the driver’s seat and that there cannot be two centres of executive power within a State.
Stalin emphasised that all constitutional authorities must function strictly within the constitutional framework and that Governors cannot invent a fourth option to indefinitely withhold Bills or exercise a pocket veto, as alleged in the case of the Tamil Nadu Governor.
The chief minister noted that the apex court has made it clear that prolonged and unexplained delays by Governors can be subjected to judicial review, and states can approach constitutional courts to hold Governors accountable for deliberate inaction.
Referring to the nine-judge Bench ruling in the 1974 Ahmedabad St. Xavier’s College Society case, he pointed out that advisory opinions of the Supreme Court do not override earlier binding judgements. He said the latest opinion has once again rejected the Tamil Nadu Governor’s theory of pocket veto and the idea that Bills can be buried at Raj Bhavan without action.
Stalin asserted that the legal battle has compelled Governors across the country to act in line with elected governments and ensured that constitutional courts can intervene when Governors obstruct legislation. He warned that constitutional authorities cannot claim to be above the Constitution and that only courts can remedy constitutional breaches by high offices acting with political intent.
Reaffirming his commitment, the chief minister said he has promises to keep and will continue the fight until the will of the people of Tamil Nadu is fully implemented through legislation, ensuring that every constitutional institution functions according to the Constitution.
In a shot in the arm for India’s federal structure, the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that Governors cannot indefinitely withhold assent to Bills passed by State Legislative Assemblies, and batted for a consultative rather than obstructive approach to legislative processes.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose.)
