New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition requesting that the Secretary of the President and others take immediate action to remove Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi from his position.

The bench, comprising CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, described the requests in the petition as "ill-conceived" while noting that the judiciary must adhere to the Constitution.

"We cannot grant such requests. There are constitutional provisions for this (removal of Governor). This court is also bound by the Constitution. The petition is dismissed," stated the bench led by CJI Khanna.

According to the Constitution, a Governor is in office "during the pleasure of the President" and may serve for a term of five years as long as he continues "to enjoy the President's pleasure".

In his petition, advocate C.R. Jaya Sukin, representing himself, cited a series of apex court rulings that established that a Governor cannot engage in political activities and is limited to functions defined by the Constitution.

"Thus, the Governor must understand the constitutional boundaries of his power. He cannot wield authority not granted to him by the Constitution or any legislation enacted under it," the petition further stated.

On January 6, the Tamil Nadu Governor exited the state Assembly promptly after the session began, protesting the absence of the National Anthem in the House.

The Governor reportedly reminded the Assembly of its constitutional obligation and earnestly requested the Chief Minister, who is the Leader of the House, and the Speaker to sing the National Anthem. However, the Assembly "stubbornly refused," according to the Raj Bhavan.

In an announcement, it stated, "Not wishing to participate in such blatant disrespect towards the Constitution and the National Anthem, the Governor, in deep sorrow, left the House."

The statement emphasized that Governor Ravi reminded the Assembly of its constitutional duty to sing the National Anthem and even urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to uphold this protocol. Yet, only the Thamizh Thai Vazhthu (the state song) was performed.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Stalin criticized Governor Ravi, claiming he was unable to accept the state's advancements.

CM Stalin condemned the Governor, particularly for his refusal to deliver his address in the Assembly and protesting the singing of the national anthem at the conclusion. He accused Governor Ravi of politically motivated actions that disrespected the Assembly's dignity and were unbecoming of his position.

"By undermining the House's dignity, the sentiments of the people, and daring to insult the Tamil Thai Vaazhthu (Tamil state song), the Governor has tarnished his official status with political motives. The House has never seen such behavior, and it must not see it again," stated CM Stalin.

During the 2024 Assembly session, Governor Ravi declined to deliver the customary opening address prepared by the Tamil Nadu government, reading only the first paragraph before leaving. The address included well-wishes for "happiness, prosperity, and well-being" in the new year and quoted a couplet from the Tirukkural. On that occasion, the Governor shortened an hour-long speech to three minutes, claiming disagreement with certain sections of the text and accusing the state of disrespecting the national anthem.

A similar controversy arose in 2023 when Governor Ravi omitted segments of the policy address that referenced secularism, the Dravidian model, and leaders like Periyar, B.R. Ambedkar, and former Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi.