Supreme Court Warns Stalin and Governor Over Ongoing Dispute

The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern warning to the Tamil Nadu government and Governor R.N. Ravi over their ongoing conflict regarding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (VCs) to state universities. The Court has advised both parties to resolve their differences amicably, failing which it will intervene to settle the matter.

The dispute has been ongoing for some time between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and Governor Ravi. The state government recently revoked the Governor's authority to appoint Vice-Chancellors, limiting his powers in several appointments. Governor Ravi, however, has refused to approve certain bills related to these changes.

Governor Ravi had set up a committee to appoint Vice-Chancellors for Madras University, Bharathiar University, and Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University, a move the Tamil Nadu government claims is unconstitutional. The state government also challenged the removal of University Grants Commission (UGC) members from the committee, prompting a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court.

In response to a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government, a bench of the Supreme Court, led by Justice S.B. Pardiwala, heard the matter on Friday. The Court suggested that it would be in the best interest of both parties to resolve the issue regarding pending bills collaboratively. However, the Court also warned that it would take necessary action to resolve the matter if no resolution is reached.