Days after SC rap, TN Governor Ravi returns bills, state govt set to adopt them again
The state govt intends getting such bills adopted again immediately, and hence the assembly will meet on Nov 18, said Speaker M Appavu
Days after the Supreme Court rapped Tamil Nadu and Punjab governors for delaying assent to the bills passed by state legislatures, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has returned bills sent to him by the government for his assent and the state is all set to get them passed again in a special sitting of the assembly on November 18.
Speaking to reporters at Tiruvannamalai, Speaker M Appavu said a special sitting of the assembly will be held on Saturday. On the purpose of the special meet, he said he has learnt that Governor Ravi has returned to the government several bills sent to him for his assent. The state government intends getting such bills adopted again immediately, and hence the assembly will meet on November 18, he added.
The DMK regime has recently approached the Supreme Court accusing the Raj Bhavan of sitting over bills passed by the assembly. The state government has accused the governor of “deliberately delaying” the bills’ clearance and scuttling the state’s development by “undermining the elected administration”.
At least 12 bills were pending, besides four official orders and a file related to the premature release of 54 prisoners. The number of bills returned to the government by the governor is not clear. The assembly had been adjourned sine die in October.
The apex court on November 10 had termed as a “matter of serious concern” the alleged delay by Governor Ravi in giving assent to bills passed by the Assembly. It sought the Centre’s response on the state government’s petition accusing the Raj Bhavan of “sitting over” 12 bills.
While hearing the DMK government’s plea, the Supreme Court had said: “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.”
(With agency inputs)
