T.N. Assembly passes resolution rejecting Governor’s remarks on Siddha University Bill

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, on Thursday (October 16, 2025), took strong objection in the Assembly to the remarks made by Governor R.N. Ravi on the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2025.

The Chief Minister also moved a resolution, which was passed by the Assembly later, rejecting the remarks made by the Governor on the Bill.

Mr. Stalin said since the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill falls under the category of a Finance Bill, it requires the recommendation of the Governor before being introduced in the Assembly, as defined under Article 207(3) of the Constitution. After obtaining public opinion and considering the representations received, the draft Bill was prepared by the Health and Family Welfare Department and was examined by the Law Department and by the Minister for Health and Family Welfare. The Bill was then sent to the Governor.

However, instead of following the established Constitutional practice, the Governor expressed certain views on specific provisions of the Bill and said that his observations should be brought to the attention of the members of this Assembly when the Bill was introduced, he said.

‘Against Constitution’

“This is against the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of this Assembly. When a Bill is under consideration, only the members of the Assembly have the right to propose amendments, withdraw them if acceptable explanations are given, or demand a vote if they are not satisfied. Before the passage of a Bill by the Assembly, the Governor has no authority to make observations on it. Therefore, the observations received from the Governor on the Bill cannot be accepted by this House,” Mr. Stalin said.

“Instead of using the word ‘consideration,’ the Governor has used the phrase ‘appropriate consideration,’ which is against the Constitution. What does the word ‘appropriate’ mean? It implies that the Assembly should examine the Bill in a proper or suitable manner. It is unacceptable that the Governor’s observation on the Bill implies as if this Assembly might otherwise examine Bills in an improper or unsuitable manner. This is disrespectful to the dignity of this House. The power to make laws rests solely with this Assembly,” the Chief Minister said.

What is the Bill about?

Following this, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ma. Subramanian introduced the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2025. The Bill seeks to establish Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University in Chennai to provide instruction and training in various branches of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy.

According to the Bill, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister will be the Chancellor of the University and the Minister for Health and Family Welfare will be the Pro-Chancellor. The appointment of Vice-Chancellors will be made by the Chancellor who will select from a panel of three names recommended by a committee.

The committee shall consist of a nominee of the Chancellor, who shall be a retired judge of the Supreme Court or any High Court or an eminent educationist; a nominee of the government, who shall be a retired or serving officer of the government not below the rank of Principal Secretary or an eminent educationist; and a nominee of the senate, who shall be an eminent educationist. The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a period of three years or until attaining the age of 70, the Bill said.