Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Tamil Nadu Governor Refutes Bill Delay Allegations, Cites High Assent Rate
The Governor's office in Tamil Nadu is explaining that they are not unfairly delaying the new laws (bills) that the state's assembly wants to pass.
They said that by the end of October, they had approved most of the bills they received, and most of those approvals happened quickly, within three months.
Some bills, about 13 out of 100, were sent to the President for a final decision, and the state government itself had asked to send many of those.
The Governor's office is clarifying this because some people and news reports have accused them of causing delays, similar to issues raised in other states.
The Supreme Court has also previously said that governors should not hold onto bills for too long without a good reason, as it can block the work of elected governments.
The governor's office wants to assure everyone that they are following the rules and acting responsibly.
The Raj Bhavan has denied allegations of delaying assent to Tamil Nadu Assembly Bills, terming them 'unfounded and factually incorrect'.
As of October 31, 81% of Bills received by the Raj Bhavan have been assented to, with 95% of these approved within three months.
Approximately 13% of the Bills have been reserved for the President's consideration, with the majority of these referrals made on the State Government's recommendation.
The Supreme Court has previously emphasized that Governors cannot indefinitely delay action on bills and has set timelines for assent, return, or referral.
Allegations of Governors delaying bills have surfaced in several non-BJP ruled states, with opposition leaders criticizing the use of Governors to disrupt state governments.
- Who
- Raj Bhavan, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi
- What
- Issued a clarification refuting allegations of delaying Assembly Bills, citing statistics on assent rates and adherence to constitutional procedures.
- When
- November 7 (statement released, inferred from context of timing after SC ruling and current events)
- Where
- Tamil Nadu
- Why
- To counter 'unfounded and factually incorrect allegations' of undue delays in granting assent to bills and to reaffirm adherence to constitutional duties in light of Supreme Court observations and political accusations.
Allegations from Opposition & Public Domain
Raj Bhavan Clarification
Governor's Delay in Assenting Bills
Allegations from Opposition & Public Domain
Allegations suggest the Governor is causing undue delays in assenting to Assembly Bills, with some instances of bills being incorrectly referred to the President. This is seen as a misuse of power and a challenge to elected governments.
Raj Bhavan Clarification
The Raj Bhavan states that 81% of bills received by October 31 have been assented to, with 95% of these processed within three months. They assert that only 13% were reserved for the President, and a significant portion of these referrals were on the state government's recommendation.
Role and Authority of the Governor
Allegations from Opposition & Public Domain
The opposition alleges that Governors are being used by the central government to disrupt non-BJP ruled states and run 'parallel governments'. Some Governors are deemed unfit for their posts and their actions are seen as undermining federal principles and the Constitution.
Raj Bhavan Clarification
The Raj Bhavan maintains that the Governor acts in accordance with the Constitution and due diligence, examining Bills to uphold the rule of law and people's interests without political bias. The Supreme Court has previously set timelines for Governors to act on bills.
Supreme Court Rulings on Governor's Actions
Allegations from Opposition & Public Domain
Recent Supreme Court rulings have criticized Governors for delays, calling them a form of 'pocket veto' and a harm to India's federal system. Such inaction can be challenged in court, and Governors must justify delays.
Raj Bhavan Clarification
While acknowledging the Supreme Court's rulings on the need for timely action and the Governor's duty to act on the advice of the council of ministers, the Raj Bhavan's clarification aims to demonstrate adherence to these principles by providing statistical data on bill processing.
- Assent Rate (as of Oct 31)
- 81%
- Bills Cleared Within 3 Months
- 95% of assented bills
- Bills Reserved for President
- 13%
- Referrals to President on State Govt. Advice
- Majority of the 13% reserved
- Bills Under Consideration
- Remaining bills
Sources
81% of Bills assented by TN Governor; 13% reserved for President’s consideration: Raj Bhavan
95% Bills Cleared Within 3 Months: Tamil Nadu Governor Clarifies
TN Raj Bhavan denies delay in clearing Assembly Bills, says 81% assented by Governor
