Boost to federalism

Tamil Nadu's MK Stalin-led DMK government has long accused Governor RN Ravi -- a former IPS officer who has also worked in the CBI -- of acting like a BJP spokesperson and blocking Bills and appointments.

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These charges gained validation Tuesday when the Supreme Court ruled that Ravi's reservation of 10 Bills for presidential consideration was illegal and arbitrary. Setting a precedent, the court established a timeline for Governors to act on state Assembly Bills: one month for assent or reservation with ministerial advice, and three months to return Bills without such advice. The court emphasised that Governors cannot sit on Bills to delay or block legislation, highlighting the need for Governors to act in line with democratic principles and not hinder state legislatures. Article 200 of the Constitution lays down the options before the Governor when a Bill passed by the state House is presented before him. The Governor can give his assent, withhold assent, or reserve the Bill for consideration of the President. The Governor can send the Bill back to the House or Houses for the reconsideration of some provisions. If the House passes it again, the Governor shall not withhold assent. However, the Governor can reserve for the President's consideration a Bill which he/she feels is at odds with the Constitution, directive principles of state policy, or is a matter of national importa