Synopsis
The CPI in Tamil Nadu is calling for the swift removal of Governor R.N. Ravi, accusing him of undermining constitutional norms and obstructing the elected state's administration. This demand follows the Supreme Court's recent ruling clarifying the Governor's constitutional limitations.Key Takeaways
- CPI demands removal of TN Governor R.N. Ravi.
- Accusations of constitutional violations and obstruction of government.
- Recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies Governor's role.
- Concerns over cultural insensitivity at public events.
- Governor's actions seen as part of a strategy to disrupt governance.
Chennai, April 13 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu branch of the Communist Party of India (CPI) has called for the immediate removal of Governor R.N. Ravi, accusing him of violating constitutional principles and hindering the operations of the elected state government.
In a strongly phrased announcement released on Sunday, CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan urged the President of India and the Union government to oust Governor Ravi from his position, claiming he acts like an “unruly authoritarian” who perceives himself as superior to both the judiciary and the Constitution.
“If his actions remain unchecked, a significant public uprising, fueled by democratic sentiment, will arise to constrain him,” Mutharasan cautioned. The CPI leader referenced a recent Supreme Court decision that annulled several actions taken by Governor Ravi, clarifying the constitutional limits of his role. Despite this, the Governor has persisted in attending public functions and making contentious remarks, Mutharasan noted.
He pointed out a recent occurrence at the Kamban Festival hosted at Thiagarajar College in Thirupparankundram, where the Governor allegedly shouted “Jai Shri Ram” and purportedly pressured students to do the same—an action Mutharasan condemned as inconsistent with Tamil Nadu’s cultural and artistic traditions.
Accusing the Governor of routinely undermining the interests of the DMK-led government, the CPI leader asserted, “He has exploited his constitutional role since assuming office, obstructing administrative operations and hindering critical legislative processes.” Mutharasan further claimed that the Governor’s actions form part of a larger strategy by the BJP-led Union government to disrupt governance in states led by opposition parties and create administrative stalemates for political gain.
Highlighting the Governor’s procrastination in granting assent to numerous Bills approved by the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the CPI condemned what it termed a breach of federal principles and public welfare. The CPI’s demand follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling on April 8, which invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to declare that 10 bills, withheld by the Governor for periods ranging from two to five years, are considered to have received assent. A bench consisting of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan determined that the Governor’s choice to reserve the Bills for the President’s assent was “illegal and subject to annulment.”
Pointing to the unreasonable delays and the Governor’s disregard for earlier court decisions, the court exercised its special powers to validate the pending legislation. The bench also established a timeframe of one to three months for future gubernatorial decisions regarding Bills, to maintain legislative independence and constitutional equilibrium between the state and the Centre.
