By Pudumadam Haleem
The ongoing tension between Governor RN Ravi and the Tamil Nadu government has escalated significantly regarding Minister Ponmudi’s reappointment, leading to the matter being brought before the Supreme Court amidst this ongoing discord.
The Supreme Court judges, in conjunction with the Tamil Nadu government, were taken aback by revelations from the Governor’s House indicating Governor Ravi’s belief that Minister Ponmudi’s court-ordered reprieve is temporary, and consequently, he opposes Ponmudi’s reinstatement as a minister.
That is why they immediately accepted the urgent petition of Tamil Nadu government and dosed RN Ravi with very harsh words.
Why should the governor behave like this? Does he have an understanding of governorship? They asked the Advocate Solicitor General of the Union Government whether you would give him any advice.
I don’t know if in the history of Indian Independence, the Supreme Court has come down so hard on a Governor.
On the first day of the budget session on February 12, 2024, RN Ravi, who read the Governor’s speech, even as the Legislative Assembly began; When asked to play the National Anthem as often as possible, Speaker Appavu denied, “It is not the tradition of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly” and said, “It is customary to play the National Anthem only after the Legislative Assembly is over.”
RN Ravi said, “The National Anthem is insulted, and the Governor’s speech contains many messages that he cannot accept, both informatively and morally, so he cannot read the speech in its entirety.”
The nation witnessed Governor RN Ravi immediately leaving the assembly. Apart from this, information related to various projects of the Tamil Nadu government and news about achievements were included in the Governor’s speech. That is why, they say, the governor walked out of the assembly, unwilling to read them all.
After RN Ravi took office as the Governor of Tamil Nadu, various controversies arose between the Governor and the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Even in the first sitting of the Legislative Assembly on January 9, 2023, RN Ravi deliberately avoided reading some lines in the Governor’s speech. Speaking after this, Chief Minister Stalin accused the assembly itself that the governor did not properly read the speech prepared by the government. Even then, RN Ravi hurriedly ran away from the assembly.
Prior to him, the actions of the governors in Tamil Nadu had caused some controversy. However, compared to Governor RN Ravi, they are not that bad.
When Senna Reddy was the governor, he also; There were serious differences of opinion between then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. The then governor Senna Reddy did not violate the conventions of governorship. It is said that Senna Reddy would not have agreed to accept any suggestions that might break the rules to put pressure on the Tamil Nadu government of the day.
In independent India, there have been incidents where a governor refused to read his speech in full. For example, on February 8, 1965, when Padmaja Naidu, who was the governor of West Bengal, was reading the governor’s speech, the members of the assembly rioted. Because of that, he left without reading the entire text. The Supreme Court ruled that even if the Governor did not read the speech in full, we should consider it as a fully read speech and put an end to the controversy.
On 25 January 2024, Governor Arif Muhammad Khan of Kerala State read only the last paragraph of the Governor’s speech instead of reading all 62 pages. He finished his speech and left. He was in the assembly for only four minutes in total. However, the speech was accepted by the Kerala Assembly.
In the non-BJP-ruled states, everyone is aware that the Union BJP government has been giving constant blows to the state governments through the governors. However, many people accuse Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi of violating the values of the post of governor.
In the case of ex-minister Senthil Balaji, let it be that he was forced to step down unconstitutionally; Let it be the manner in which the Minister behaved in a spontaneous manner, disrespecting the Supreme Court’s decision in the Ponmudi matter; It seems that Governor RN Ravi has completely lost the moral character of his post through his bad actions.
When we talk about a governor working based on the constitution, we are referring to their role as outlined in the legal framework of the state or country they govern. This includes respecting the separation of powers, upholding the rule of law, and acting in a manner that is consistent with the constitutional provisions governing their office.
In the context of Chief Minister Stalin’s demand for Governor Arun Ravi’s resignation, it suggests that there are concerns about the governor’s actions or behavior that may be seen as not aligning with constitutional principles. This demand for resignation could stem from various reasons, such as actions that are perceived as undermining the state government’s authority, breaching legal norms, or engaging in activities that are not in line with the governor’s expected role.
Therefore, the statement highlights the importance of governors adhering to constitutional principles and the potential consequences, such as calls for resignation, when their actions are deemed to be contrary to these principles.
A governor should operate within the framework of the Constitution and heed Chief Minister call. However, if Governor Arun Ravi rectifies his conduct, adheres to the governor’s customary duties, and upholds moral values, he could remain in office as the governor of Tamil Nadu.