Governor Cleared Bills Fearing Court Action, says CM Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has said that Governor RN Ravi approved two important Bills only because he feared legal action. These Bills allow people with disabilities to be nominated to local bodies, instead of contesting elections. Stalin hinted that the Governor acted due to pressure from a recent Supreme Court ruling. The court had criticised Ravi for delaying many Bills passed by the State Assembly. It also set a time limit for Governors and the President to approve such laws. The DMK-led government had passed amendments to the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Act (1998) and the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act (1994). When asked about the Governor’s approval, Stalin said, “It was expected. We passed the Bills and sent them to him. Now he has approved them. Maybe he feared we would go to court.” Stalin’s remark follows the Supreme Court’s strong words against the Governor’s delay.