Despite SC order, Guv retains key powers on varsities

THE ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu is justified in celebrating the Supreme Court's landmark verdict on April 8, 2025, as the ruling ended the prolonged standoff between the state and Governor RN Ravi by defining his role in granting assent to bills, and the primacy of the powers of the elected government in framing policies through legislation.

- SUBASHINI VIJAYAKUMAR AND BINITA JAISWAL @ Chennai

The Supreme Court invoked its plenary powers under Article 142 in granting 'deemed assent' to 10 amendment bills that stripped the governor's authority to appoint Vice-Chancellors in 18 of 20 state-run universities. These appointments will now be made by the state government.

However, contrary to popular perception, the Tamil Nadu governor will still wield considerable power with respect to state universities as the amendments have not entirely taken away the governor's powers. A closer examination of the amendments and original Acts governing the universities reveals that the Governor-Chancellor retains significant powers, including the authority to veto the decisions of universities' governing bodies such as Senate and Syndicate.