RAIPUR: Amidst nine bills passed by the legislative assembly in Chhattisgarh awaiting the governor's assent, state Law and Legislative Affairs Minister Ravindra Choubey stated on Friday that the Supreme Court's decision in the Punjab case serves as a guideline for Governors across states.
Choubey informed TOI that nine bills, including two aimed at increasing reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, have been pending with Raj Bhawan for an extended period. He emphasized that an elected government has the authority to pass bills, and if the Governor cannot sign them, they should be returned to the Vidhan Sabha, as per constitutional provisions. Choubey added, "For me, the Supreme Court’s judgments in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab cases serve as guidelines for Governors in all states."
Asserting that the Congress expects to retain power in the upcoming elections, the senior Congress leader stated, "We are awaiting the assembly election results on December 3. Later, we will decide on our strategy regarding these pending bills. The recent decision of the Apex court is clear – Governors cannot stall bills by withholding their assent."
Nine pieces of legislation, including two bills focused on increasing reservations in government jobs and educational institution admissions, passed by the state legislative assembly, have been awaiting the Governor's assent for an extended period, with some pending since early 2020.
Choubey expressed his opinion that Raj Bhawan should not be politicized, pointing out instances in West Bengal and Kerala where Governors played prominent political roles. He noted, "Since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, the Raj Bhawans have become citadels of politics."
According to sources from the Chhattisgarh State Legislative Assembly Secretariat, nine bills passed between 2020 and 2022 are pending with Raj Bhawan. These include bills related to universities, cooperative societies, and amendments to reservation laws.
The Chhattisgarh government reportedly amended university bills to gain the power to appoint vice-chancellors. Additionally, the Kushabhau Thakre Patrakaritra Evan Jansanchar Vishwavidyalaya (Amendment) Bill seeks to change the name of the university to Chandulal Chandrakar University of Journalism and Mass Communication.
All these bills, sent to the Raj Bhawan during Governor Anusuiya Uikey's nineure, sparked a controversy. The bills, passed in December the previous year, aimed at increasing overall reservation to 76%, led to a confrontation between Raj Bhawan and the Congress government.
Governor Uikey was subsequently shifted to Manipur, and Biswabhushan Harichandan assumed the role of the new Governor. The state government moved the high court, challenging the delay in processing the bills for assent. The court initially issued a notice, but later stayed its order after Raj Bhawan filed an application stating that the secretary to the Governor is protected on behalf of the Governor.
