Supreme Court to Hear Petition for Recall of TN Governor on Monday
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court will hear a plea on February 3, concerning the recall of Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi, following his controversial actions in the Legislative Assembly, including leaving in protest over the National Anthem.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition on February 3.
- The plea seeks the immediate recall of Governor R. N. Ravi.
- Ravi's actions in the Assembly have sparked controversy.
- Criticism from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin regarding the Governor's behavior.
- Legal precedents regarding the Governor's political role are referenced.
New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is scheduled to address a petition on Monday that seeks an order directing the Secretary of the President of India and others to promptly recall Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi from his position.
According to the cause list available on the Apex Court website, a bench comprising CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar will review the plea submitted by advocate C. R. Jaya Sukin on February 3 (Monday).
In his petition, Jaya Sukin, who is representing himself, asserted that a series of apex court rulings indicate that the Governor should not engage in political activities and can only perform functions as outlined in the Constitution.
"Therefore, the Governor must understand the constitutional boundaries of the powers granted to him. He cannot exercise authority not given to him by the Constitution or any laws enacted under it," the petition further stated.
On January 6, the Tamil Nadu Governor exited the state Legislative Assembly immediately after the session began, protesting the absence of the National Anthem in the proceedings.
"The Governor respectfully reminded the Assembly of its constitutional obligation and earnestly requested the Chief Minister, who leads the House, and the Speaker to sing the National Anthem. Nevertheless, the Assembly 'stubbornly refused,' according to the Raj Bhavan.
A statement from Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan noted, "Not wanting to participate in such blatant disrespect to the Constitution and the National Anthem, the Governor, in great distress, left the House."
It was also mentioned that Governor Ravi reminded the Assembly of its constitutional duty to sing the National Anthem and urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to ensure this protocol.
However, only the Thamizh Thai Vazhthu (the state song) was performed. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Stalin criticized Governor Ravi, suggesting that he could not accept the advancements made by the state.
CM Stalin condemned the Governor, particularly for his refusal to deliver his speech in the State Assembly and protesting against the playing of the national anthem at the conclusion.
The Chief Minister accused Governor Ravi of politically motivated actions that undermined the dignity of the State Assembly and were inappropriate for his role.
"By disrespecting the dignity of the House, the sentiments of the people, and daring to insult the Tamil Thai Vaazhthu (Tamil state song), the Governor has tarnished his official standing with political motives. The House has never experienced such behavior, and it must not see it again," CM Stalin stated.
It is worth noting that during the 2024 Assembly session, Governor Ravi declined to deliver the customary inaugural address prepared by the Tamil Nadu government, reading only the first paragraph before leaving.
The address had included 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 and exited the Assembly, claiming he disagreed with certain sections of the text and accused the state of disrespecting the national anthem.
In 2023, a similar issue occurred when Governor Ravi omitted parts of the policy address that referenced secularism, the Dravidian model, and leaders such as Periyar, B.R. Ambedkar, and former Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi.
