The Attorney General (AG) R Venkataramani and Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta on Tuesday opposed the Kerala government’s contention that the Supreme Court’s recent verdict in the Tamil Nadu Governor case is applicable to its petitions regarding delays by the Kerala Governor in granting assent to State Bills.
In a courtroom moment that drew smiles, the Bench acknowledged the presence of former Attorney General KK Venugopal, who is representing the Left Democratic Front (LDF)-led Kerala government, with a light-hearted remark:
“I have the habit of calling you Mr. AG whenever I see you,” the Bench quipped.
The matter was heard by a Bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi, which is examining two separate petitions filed by the Kerala government.
CASE BACKGROUND
The first petition, filed in 2023, relates to alleged delays by then-Governor Arif Mohammed Khan in giving assent to eight Bills passed by the State Legislature. These Bills were reportedly pending for periods ranging from seven to twenty-three months.
The second petition, filed in 2024, challenges President Droupadi Murmu’s decision to withhold assent to four of seven Bills forwarded to her by the Governor in 2023.
VENUGOPAL: TAMIL NADU VERDICT COVERS IT
Senior Advocate KK Venugopal, arguing for Kerala, claimed that the Supreme Court’s recent ruling regarding the Tamil Nadu Governor’s delay in Bill assent was applicable to both of Kerala’s petitions.
“Both petitions are covered by recent judgment (in Tamil Nadu Governor’s case) … on what is time limit after reference to President, that is held to be 3 months. No other question arises here,” he said.
SG AND AG DISAGREE
However, SG Tushar Mehta disagreed with Venugopal’s assessment, stating:
“It is not covered my lord.”
AG R Venkataramani also supported Mehta’s view and urged the court to recognize key distinctions in the Kerala matter:
“I would say very humbly, with deep respect to Mr. Venugopal, the judgment does not cover certain issues in this case on facts that are essentially different. We would like to show the differences, I will put in a note.”
KERALA WITHDRAWS AMENDMENT PLEA
In a related development during the hearing, Venugopal informed the Court that the Kerala government is withdrawing an amendment application it had previously filed. The application had sought clarity on the Governor’s responsibilities under Article 200 of the Constitution.
“This amendment is no longer required since the Tamil Nadu Governor judgment covers this aspect of the matter as well,” Venugopal stated.
NEXT HEARING ON MAY 6
After hearing initial arguments from both sides, the Supreme Court adjourned the matter to May 6, 2025, for further proceedings.
