Introduction
Governors—appointed by the President—are the nominal heads of Indian states. However, when they step into governance decisions like appointing vice-chancellors, withholding legislative assent, or dismissing ministers, constitutional friction often ensues. Tamil Nadu and Kerala have emerged as sites of such institutional conflict, highlighting an urgent need to reexamine the Governor’s role in democratic governance.
Tamil Nadu: Governor R. N. Ravi vs State Government
Withholding Assent to State Bills
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Governor Ravi delayed assent for several bills—including those altering university governance to transition Chancellor powers from the Raj Bhavan to the CM. The DMK-led government accused him of obstructing democratic will.
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The Supreme Court, in State of Tamil Nadu vs Governor (April 8, 2025), ruled that Governors cannot exercise absolute or pocket veto, especially when bills are passed again by the legislature. It also mandated judicial review mechanisms and time-bound decisions under Articles 200 and 201.
Wikipedia
Dismissal of a Minister Without Advice
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In June 2023, Ravi issued a dismissal order against Minister Senthilbalaji without the Chief Minister’s advice—widely criticized as unconstitutional interference. Although later retracted, the move fueled debate over discretionary powers.
The Hindu
Governor Interference in Administration & Assembly Proceedings
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Governor Ravi allegedly interfered in state welfare and educational affairs by demanding departmental information, prompting protests from DMK leaders and civil society.
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He also deviated from the government-prepared gubernatorial address in the Assembly, sparking procedural confrontation—a rare walkout by Stalin and mandates to record only the government’s version.
Wikipedia
Political Reactions & Symbolic Boycotts
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The DMK and its allies routinely boycotted events hosted by the Governor, including his Republic Day reception, citing disrespect for Tamil Nadu’s democratic institutions.
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CM Stalin mobilized other non-BJP states to unite against perceived trends of gubernatorial overreach.
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Kerala: Emerging Flashpoints
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Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan claimed friction between the Kerala government and the Governor disrupted university functioning: most universities operated under temporary VCs; many colleges lacked principals; degrees and PG certificates were delayed.
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Satheesan warned that administrative stagnation and governance lapses were being caused by state–Governor conflict, impacting both education and child-rights issues.
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Constitutional Principles & Judicial Clarifications
Governor Must Act on Advice
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As held in Shamsher Singh (1974) and Nabam Rebia (2021), Governors must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers and have limited discretionary power, restricted to exceptions in Article 163(1).
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Governor cannot dismiss a minister without consulting the Chief Minister.
The Hindu
Assent Timelines & Legislative Accountability
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The Supreme Court in April 2025 barred Governors from indefinitely withholding assent and emphasized that re-passed bills must receive assent within a reasonable timeline.
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Federal Equilibrium
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Instances like Tamil Nadu show how Governors could become tools of centralized partisan interference, undermining state autonomy in non-BJP ruled states.
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Impacts on Governance & Democracy
Administrative Disruption
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In Tamil Nadu, bill delays and VC appointment impasses slowed university operations and educational governance.
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Kerala’s higher education sector faced systemic stress—mass delays in degree issuance and vacant leadership posts at institutions.
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Erosion of Trust
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Repeated crises foster public skepticism about impartiality in gubernatorial office and institutional bias, especially in opposition-ruled States.
The Times of India
Solidarity Among States
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Tamil Nadu’s CM’s call to other non-BJP states reflects growing awareness and resistance against perceived misuse of gubernatorial authority.
The Times of India
Conclusion
The ongoing Governor–State friction in Tamil Nadu and Kerala underscores a constitutional dilemma: Governors are meant to be ceremonial heads, yet often perform executive functions, especially when the ruling party differs from the Centre. Recent Supreme Court judgments limit gubernatorial discretion, highlighting the imperative that state governments must operate without centralized interference.
Resolving these tensions requires not just judicial pronouncements but comprehensive political and institutional reform—ensuring that the Governor’s office preserves neutrality, that state autonomy under Article 200/201 is respected, and that India's federal ethos remains intact.