In a landmark ruling today, the Supreme Court invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 to declare ten Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly as deemed assented, bypassing Governor R.N. Ravi due to his “lack of bonafides” and failure to respect judicial directives.

The decision stems from prolonged delays by the Governor, who kept the Bills pending before withholding assent, prompting the Court to question his conduct and trustworthiness.

Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, in a scathing verdict, criticized the Governor for disregarding the Court’s earlier rulings and showing “scant respect” for its authority. “His actions reflect extraneous considerations and a lack of deference to parliamentary democracy,” Justice Pardiwala wrote, noting the Bills were deemed assented from the date they were presented post-reconsideration by the legislature.

The Court emphasized the Governor’s role as a constitutional head, urging harmony with the elected government to reflect the people’s will. “He must be a catalyst for consensus, not an inhibitor choking the legislature for political gain,” the bench stated, warning against actions that defy the democratic mandate.

Highlighting rising tensions between Governors and state governments, the Court directed its registry to share the judgment with all High Courts and Governors’ offices, reinforcing the need for constitutional fidelity over political motives.

The verdict underscores that Governors must prioritize public welfare and legislative intent, cautioning against deliberate roadblocks that undermine democracy. “Constitutional functionaries must act with the Constitution’s spirit, not ephemeral politics,” the bench urged, cementing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic norms.