Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin addresses a rally on October 16, 2025 | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin strongly protested Governor RN Ravi’s remarks on the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2025 in the Assembly on Thursday (October 16, 2025).
The Prime Minister also moved a resolution, which was later passed by the Assembly, rejecting the Governor’s remarks on the Bill.
Mr. Stalin said that since the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill falls under the category of a Finance Bill, it requires the recommendation of the Governor as defined in Article 207(3) of the Constitution before being introduced in the Assembly. After soliciting public opinion and considering the comments received, the Bill was prepared by the Department of Health and Family Welfare and was reviewed by the Legal Department and the Minister for Health and Welfare. The bill was then sent to the governor.
However, instead of following established constitutional practice, the governor expressed certain views on specific provisions of the bill and said his comments should be brought to the attention of members of this assembly when the bill is introduced, he said.
‘Against the Constitution’
“This is contrary to the constitution and the rules of procedure of this assembly. When a bill is under discussion, only the members of the assembly have the right to propose amendments, to withdraw it if acceptable explanations are given, or to demand a vote if they are not satisfied. Before the bill is passed by the assembly, the governor has no power to comment on it. Therefore, the comments he received on this bill from the governor cannot accept,” said Stalin.
“Instead of the word ‘consideration,’ the Governor used the phrase ‘reasonable consideration,’ which is unconstitutional. What does the word ‘reasonable’ mean? It means that the Assembly should examine the bill in a proper or appropriate manner. It is unacceptable for the Governor’s note on the bill to suggest that this Assembly might otherwise consider these bills unreasonable. This House rests only in this assembly,” said the Chief Minister.
What is the bill about?
Following this, the Minister of Health and Welfare Ma. Subramanian introduced the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2025. The bill seeks to establish the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University in Chennai to provide education and training in various branches of Indian medicine and homeopathy.
According to the bill, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu will be the Chancellor of the University and the Minister of Health and Family Welfare will be the Pro-Chancellor. The appointment of vice-chancellors is made by the chancellor, who selects from a panel of three names recommended by the committee.
The Committee consists of a nominee of the Chancellor who is a former Judge of the Supreme Court or any High Court or a distinguished educationist; a Government nominee who is a former or serving Government officer not below the rank of Chief Secretary or a distinguished educationist; and a nominee of the senate, who will be a prominent educator. The vice-chancellor will hold office for a period of three years or until he attains the age of 70, the bill said.
Published – 16 Oct 2025 14:57 IST
