The Supreme Court on Friday issued a stern warning to Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and Chief Minister MK Stalin-led DMK to resolve their ongoing dispute over the appointment of vice-chancellors at state-run universities.
A top court bench headed by Justice SB Pardiwala urged both parties, who have been at odds for years due to the Governor's refusal to approve several bills to curb his powers in these appointments, to settle the matter before the next hearing. "By the next date (of hearing) if this is resolved... well and good. Otherwise, we will resolve it.,” the court said.
The bench was hearing an application filed by Tamil Nadu to bring on record developments that took place after the state filed a petition challenging the notifications issued by the Governor on September 6, 2023.
These notifications had established search committees to identify candidates for the appointment of vice-chancellors for Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University, and the University of Madras.
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi withdrew the notification on January 9, 2024, and requested the state government to form new search committees, which would include a nominee from the chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), for the vice-chancellor appointments at the three universities.
The Stalin-led DMK earlier approached the court, requesting it to direct the Governor to approve several bills, including two passed by the previous All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led government. The ruling party accused the Governor of intentionally delaying the bills and hindering the state's development by undermining the elected administration.
"These bills (have been) pending since 2020. What were you doing for three years?" the court asked the Governor in the November 2023 hearing.