TN Guv Ravi's Move To Re-induct Ponmudy Into Cabinet After SC Warning

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has invited Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader K Ponmudy to be re-inducted into the state cabinet at 3:30 pm. This development follows the Supreme Court's warning to the Governor over his refusal to swear-in Ponmudy, who was the Higher Education Minister, after his conviction and three-year jail term in a 2011 disproportionate assets case were stayed.

After the conviction was stayed, Ponmudy was reinstated as the MLA from Tirukkoyilur in Villupuram district. Subsequently, Chief Minister MK Stalin recommended Ponmudy be brought back into the cabinet; he had been dropped after the Madras High Court reversed his acquittal.

However, last week, the Tamil Nadu Governor refused to accept the recommendation, citing constitutional morality. He pointed out that the Supreme Court had only stayed, and not reversed, the conviction.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea by the Tamil Nadu government on the matter. A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud criticized Governor Ravi for defying the Supreme Court, stating that the Governor should act as part of parliamentary democracy and that he is a ceremonial head of state. The Chief Justice warned that if there was no compliance, the court would direct the Governor to act according to the constitution.

Ravi's refusal to re-appoint Ponmudy is the latest in a series of disputes between himself and the state government, with the government accusing him of creating obstacles in its work. Earlier, Stalin's government had moved the Supreme Court over Ravi not clearing bills passed by the state legislature, and the court had warned the Governor to act on the state's advice.

This ongoing tussle between the Governor and the state government echoes similar clashes between the governments of Kerala and Punjab and their respective governors. Last year, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister wrote to President Droupadi Murmu requesting the removal of Ravi as the Governor.