Various state governments and their Governors have been in disagreement regarding decisions on pending bills passed in assemblies.
In the midst of the controversy surrounding Raj Bhavans of several states holding onto bills, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan accused the state government on Friday of exceeding its authority on numerous occasions. He asserted that his actions were in accordance with the Constitution and questioned whether he had ever created a crisis in the state.
These comments come as the Kerala government has approached the Supreme Court, raising concerns about the Governor not signing certain bills and causing indefinite delays.
Khan challenged, “Show me one instance where I have exceeded my authority. There is a long list of times when my own government has exceeded its authority. So, who is creating the crisis?” He alleged that the state has not been paying pensions and salaries for quite some time. He also mentioned the government-sponsored annual event, Keraleeyam, and criticized the state for having extravagant celebrations and spending on projects like million-rupee swimming pools.
On November 8, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that Khan was obligated to act according to the Constitution. The Governor had previously accused the state government of misusing the legislature for purposes other than its intended function.
Khan emphasized that he acts in accordance with the Constitution and will uphold its spirit while fulfilling his duties. He argued that money bills cannot be passed in the state assembly without the prior permission of the Governor.
“University bills are money bills, and money bills cannot be passed by the Assembly without prior approval by the Governor,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Raj Bhavans in several states have been in conflict with elected governments. Over the past few months, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Kerala have all approached the Supreme Court, seeking directives for their respective governors.
In response to the Punjab governor’s delay in deciding on pending bills, the apex court expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of both the Raj Bhavan and the state government. The Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud-led bench cautioned that any attempt to cast doubt on the session of the legislature could pose risks to democracy.
