Supreme Court Verdict a Landmark for Federalism: CPI(M)

New Delhi: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s landmark judgement setting aside the Tamil Nadu Governor's decision to indefinitely withhold assent to bills passed by the state legislature. The verdict, widely seen as a reaffirmation of India's federal structure, is expected to have wide-ranging implications for opposition-ruled states facing similar challenges.
In a press statement, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau hailed the ruling as historic, emphasizing that the Court’s declaration that all ten pending Tamil Nadu bills are now law sends a clear message against the arbitrary actions of Governors. The Court held the Governor’s withholding of assent as “illegal and arbitrary” and laid down a specific timeline within which Governors must act on bills forwarded by the Assembly.
“This is a landmark judgement that strengthens the federal principles enshrined in our Constitution,” the CPI(M) stated, noting that the verdict will set a precedent for other states like Kerala, where Governors have similarly withheld assent to legislation.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan echoed these sentiments, calling the judgement a strong affirmation of legislative and democratic rights. “The Supreme Court has reiterated that Governors must act on the advice of the Council of Ministers. By setting a timeline, the Court has sent a clear message against the misuse of gubernatorial powers to stall the democratic process,” he said.
Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted that Kerala has faced similar challenges, with bills being held up for as long as 23 months, causing legislative uncertainty. “This verdict reinforces the relevance of Kerala’s ongoing legal battle against such practices,” he added.