The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the conduct of Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, setting a one-day deadline for him to reinduct K Ponmudi into the state cabinet. The court accused the governor of acting like an extra-constitutional authority. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, along with Justices B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasised that the governor’s actions defy the Supreme Court’s orders. Specifically, when the Supreme Court issues a stay on a conviction, as it did for Ponmudi, the governor is obligated to administer the oath for a ministerial position. The apex court warned the governor that failure to swear in Ponmudi by Friday would result in legal action against him.
The governor’s belief that Ponmudi is tainted outweighs the Supreme Court’s order to suspend his conviction, the court questioned. Ponmudi, a minister from 2006 to 2011, was convicted of corruption last year and lost his job. The administration has recommended his reintroduction, nevertheless, since the Supreme Court recently suspended his sentence. The governor declined despite this, citing Ponmudi’s allegations of corruption.
Ponmudi’s appointment and swearing-in had been requested by Chief Minister M K Stalin, but the governor had turned it down. According to the governor’s office, Ponmudi’s reinduction is morally wrong under the constitution because of the corruption charges against him.
The governor’s reluctance to appoint Ponmudi as a minister, the Supreme Court stressed, undercuts the court’s authority and violates fundamental constitutional governance norms. The court’s resolve to protect the rule of law and guarantee judicial orders are followed is demonstrated by its decision to become involved in the case.
In addition, the court’s severe warning to the governor emphasizes how crucial it is to uphold the constitution’s structure and the separation of powers. The court emphasises its position as the defender of citizens’ rights and the custodian of the Constitution by giving the governor a deadline to follow its directives.
All things considered, the Supreme Court’s involvement in the case emphasises how important judicial supervision is to preserve the integrity of democratic institutions. It makes it very evident that everyone must follow the rulings of the judiciary and that no authority, not even the governor, is above the law.
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