With TN Governor’s powers curtailed but not eliminated, can he still hold VC meetings?
The governor’s decision to hold a VC conference from April 25-26 has sparked accusations of constitutional overreach and contempt of court from the DMK, Congress, and Dravidar Kazhagam
The power struggle between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Governor RN Ravi over the control of state universities has intensified, with the Governor’s office asserting that he retains the authority to convene vice-chancellor (VC) meetings and preside over convocations. This, despite the Supreme Court’s April 8, 2025 ruling that stripped him of key powers as chancellor.
The governor’s decision to hold a VC conference in Ooty from April 25-26, with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar reportedly invited, has sparked accusations of constitutional overreach and contempt of court from the DMK, Congress, and Dravidar Kazhagam.
The SC’s verdict and its fallout
The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling addressed a prolonged deadlock between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and Governor Ravi, who had withheld assent to 10 bills passed by the state Assembly, eight of which reformed university governance. The court, invoking Article 142, declared the Governor’s inaction “unconstitutional” under Article 200 and deemed the bills as law from November 18, 2023, when they were re-presented to him. These laws transferred the authority to appoint VCs from the Governor, as chancellor, to the state government, significantly curtailing his role in university administration.
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Following the verdict, CM Stalin moved swiftly to assert control, holding a meeting with VCs and registrars on April 15 to discuss higher education reforms - a role traditionally performed by the Governor. During the meeting, Stalin emphasised the need to shield students from “irrational ideas and stories,” a veiled critique of the Governor’s alleged attempts to influence university curricula. The state’s actions underscored its intent to fully implement the new laws, which position Stalin as the sole authority for VC appointments.
Governor’s office defends its position
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Raj Bhavan has maintained that the Governor retains significant powers as chancellor. The governor's office clarified that the court’s verdict only transferred the authority to appoint VCs to the Tamil Nadu government, leaving other chancellor duties intact. These include presiding over convocations, attending syndicate meetings, and convening VCs for academic discussions. The statement said that for the past three years, the governor has organised VC conferences in Ooty, a tradition it claims remains within his purview.
“Governor RN Ravi continues to serve as Chancellor of state universities. The Supreme Court’s ruling pertains solely to VC appointments. The Chancellor’s rights to hold convocations and VC conferences remain unaffected,” the officer said.
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Raj Bhavan sources told The Federal that the upcoming VC conference will proceed as planned.
When reached for confirmation regarding Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s participation in the Ooty Vice-Chancellor conference, R Kirlosh Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Governor, stated, “A press release will be issued tomorrow, containing all the relevant details.”
The invitation to Dhankhar, who recently criticised the judiciary’s accountability in remarks seen as a swipe at the Supreme Court’s ruling, has added fuel to the controversy. Opposition parties view the governor’s move as a deliberate attempt to challenge the court’s authority and assert central government influence over Tamil Nadu’s universities.
Legal and political reactions
Legal experts have questioned the governor’s interpretation of his powers. Senior advocate KM Vijayan argued that the chancellor’s role is statutory and tied to the now-amended university acts.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling, by enforcing these laws, has effectively reduced the governor's power as chancellor,” Vijayan said.
A DMK legal wing advocate noted that the Ooty conference was announced before the April 8 ruling, suggesting it could be framed as a pre-scheduled event.
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“The governor is a namesake chancellor with no substantive authority. He can hold meetings, but his directives lack legal force. All real power lies with the Tamil Nadu government,” the advocate said.
The DMK, Congress, and Dravidar Kazhagam have opposed the Ooty conference. Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Veeramani issued a statement, calling the event a “blatant constitutional violation” and an act of “contempt of court.” He accused the governor of running a “parallel government” and urged the VCs to boycott the conference, warning that participation would breach their legal obligations.
Veeramani also criticised Dhankhar’s involvement, saying he was adding fuel to fire, and called for a no-confidence motion against the Vice President in the Rajya Sabha.
What powers does governor retain?
E Balagurusamy, former vice-chancellor of Anna University, has expressed apprehension about the governor retaining certain powers as chancellor, warning that it could disrupt university functioning if conflicts arise between the governor and vice-chancellors.
He argued that the Tamil Nadu government should have followed the model of states like West Bengal, where the chief minister serves as chancellor of all universities, to ensure streamlined governance and avoid potential disputes.
Key powers retained by Governor (according to Balagurusamy)
1. Appoint nominees to V-C search committees in at least 10 universities
2. Approve or withhold decisions of governing bodies in at least 16 varsities
3. Review records
4. Order inquiries and inspections into university matters
5. Nominate members to syndicate, senate, and academic council
6. Final say on disputes in elections and nominations to university bodies
Balagurusamy highlighted the historical rationale for vesting VC appointments with the governor, a practice designed to shield universities from political interference. He criticised the abrupt change, warning that it risks opening the door to political meddling, which could “completely ruin” Tamil Nadu’s higher education system.
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Past abuses
Reflecting on past abuses, he cited examples from 2006 to 2017, when political favouritism and corruption marred VC appointments. These included appointing relatives of political leaders, loyalists of ruling parties, members of dominant castes for vote-bank politics, and even individuals who paid large sums. He noted a case where a person convicted in a gold smuggling case and imprisoned in Tihar Jail for two years was appointed VC, facilitated by governments that “kept governors in their pockets.” Balagurusamy urged Stalin to appoint only qualified, honest, and competent VCs free from corruption or favouritism.
“The freedom and integrity of Tamil Nadu’s universities are at stake. Political interference in appointments will further erode the already-poor quality of higher education and research,” he warned.
Need to appoint VCs soon
While the ruling empowered the state to appoint VCs, DMK legal wing sources revealed that the Tamil Nadu government has yet to initiate the process due to a pending Supreme Court case concerning the formation of VC search committees.
SP Thyagarajan, former vice-chancellor of the University of Madras has requested the Tamil Nadu government to resolve the ongoing delay in appointing vice-chancellors (VCs) for Tamil Nadu’s state universities.
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“We expect the vice-chancellors to be appointed as soon as possible since the Supreme Court has given its verdict. All universities should have VCs, to function effectively. Prolonged vacancies in VC positions hampers university operations and growth" he said.
