Chidambaram Calls SC’s Judgment on Guv’s Powers a ‘Stern Rebuke,’ Urges Scrutiny by Governors

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Friday commented on the Supreme Court’s judgment directing Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit to decide on granting assent to bills passed by the state assembly.

Chidambaram characterized the judgment as a stern “rebuke,” not only to Governor Purohit but to all governors. He specifically called on Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi to thoroughly read every line of the ruling.

Chidambaram’s remarks followed Governor Ravi’s decision to return 10 Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu State Assembly. In response, the assembly held a special sitting on Saturday to re-adopt all the Bills. Chief Minister M K Stalin criticized the governor for withholding the Bills, attributing it to his “whims and fancies.”

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Chidambaram expressed, “The judgment of the Supreme Court on the Governor’s powers is a stern rebuke to not only the Governor of Punjab but to all Governors.”

He further urged Governor R N Ravi of Tamil Nadu to carefully read the entire judgment and, if necessary, seek the assistance of a competent senior advocate to explain the judgment.

The Supreme Court’s directive to Punjab Governor Purohit emphasized the need to decide on the Bills passed during the “constitutionally valid” session held on June 19 and 20.

The court asserted that the governor’s power should not be wielded to “thwart the normal course of lawmaking.”

The judgment, issued on November 10 and uploaded on Thursday night, addressed the plea of the AAP government in Punjab, alleging the governor’s reluctance to grant assent to four bills passed by the assembly.