\u201cGovernor did not act bona fide, the bills were deemed to have been assented to by the Governor on the date when they were re-presented,\u201d observed Justice Pardiwala.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reservation of the 10 Bills by the Governor and reference to the President on November 28, 2023, even after reconsideration by the State Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu, is contrary to Article 200 of the Constitution. The Governor\u2019s action was non est and erroneous in law. Consequently, the action taken by the President on the 10 Bills is also non est,\u201d the order read.<\/p>\n

In Tamil Nadu\u2019s case, originally 12 Bills, mostly dealing with appointments of Vice-Chancellors in State universities, were sent by the State Legislature for consent to the Governor under Article 200 of the Constitution between January 2020 and April 2023. The Governor had sat on them indefinitely. Ultimately, when the State approached the top court against the Governor\u2019s perceived inaction in November 2023, the latter had quickly referred two of the Bills to the President and proceeded to withhold consent on the remaining 10.<\/p>\n