TN assembly passes resolution rejecting governor Ravi’s remarks on Siddha bill
Tamil Nadu Assembly, by adopting a resolution, on Thursday rejected Governor RN Ravi’s opinions on a Bill seeking to set up a Siddha varsity asserting only MLAs have the right to propose amendments and legislation is the Assembly’s exclusive right.
Chief Minister M K Stalin, referring to the proposed Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2025 said since it falls under the category of a Financial Bill, the governor’s recommendation must be obtained under Article 207 (3) of the Constitution to enable its examination by the Assembly.
After ascertaining public opinion, the draft Bill, which was prepared by the Health Department, was verified by the Law Department and considered by Health Minister Ma Subramanian.
Later, a copy of that draft Bill was sent to Governor Ravi. However, the governor, without following the usual procedure contemplated under the Constitution, expressed his opinions regarding certain provisions in the draft Bill.
Also, Ravi stipulated in his message to the House that his views must be brought to the attention of the members at the time of the introduction of that Bill in the Assembly.
“This is contrary to the Constitution and our Assembly rules. When a Bill is debated in the Assembly, only the MLAs elected by the people have the authority to propose amendments, withdraw such amendments (if the explanation provided by the government is accepted by legislators) or seek a vote,” the CM said.