New Delhi, May 15 (HS): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly criticized the Presidential Reference, linking it to the central government. He described it as an attempt to undermine the provisions established under the Constitution. Stalin stated that this move clearly indicates that the Governor of Tamil Nadu is acting at the behest of the BJP.

The Chief Minister urged all non-BJP ruled states and party leaders to unite in this legal struggle. He expressed confidence that Tamil Nadu would fight this battle vigorously and emerge victorious. In a statement, he alleged that this effort is aimed at controlling democratically elected state governments. Stalin raised the question of what objection there is to setting a deadline for governors. Is the central BJP-led NDA government attempting to legitimize the obstacles being created by its governors in legislative matters?

Stalin warned that this step is an attempt to incapacitate state legislatures. He noted that the country is at a serious crossroads and that the BJP’s reference violates the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. Notably, President Droupadi Murmu has sought clarification from the Supreme Court regarding the implementation of a time limit for the approval of state government bills. The President has sent a 14-point Presidential Reference to the Supreme Court under Article 143 of the Constitution.

It questions whether the Supreme Court can set a three-month deadline for the President to make decisions on bills reserved for him by the governor under Article 201, while no such constitutionally prescribed deadline exists. The reference sent to the Supreme Court under Article 143 seeks clarity on the constitutional options available to the governor when bills are presented before him under Article 200.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar