‘Centre trying to overturn SC verdict': TN CM Stalin calls for united legal fight
He has urged all non-BJP states and regional parties to "unite in this crucial legal battle to protect federalism and preserve the Constitution’s basic structure"
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday (May 18) alleged that the BJP-led Union government is attempting to overturn the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict that upheld the rights of elected state governments against “obstructive governors”.
He has also urged all non-BJP states and regional parties to "unite in this crucial legal battle to protect federalism and preserve the Constitution’s basic structure".
Also read: Stalin says he will consult other CMs on President’s query to SC on Bill timelines
Stalin’s move came after President Droupadi Murmu recently posed 14 crucial questions over the top court’s April 8 verdict that fixed timelines for governors and the President to act on Bills passed by state Assemblies.
Intent to question TN verdict
Taking to social media platform X, Stalin posted: “The President of India, under the advice of the Union Government, has invoked the advisory jurisdiction of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India under Article 143 of the Constitution of India on 13th May, 2025 and raised 14 questions before the Court.”
“Though the reference does not specifically refer to any State or judgement, its intent is to question the findings on law and interpretation of the Constitution given by the Supreme Court in the case of State of Tamil Nadu v. Governor of Tamil Nadu.”
The Tamil Nadu chief minister alleged that the BJP is “attempting to unsettle this judgement”, which can be invoked as a precedent by other states when faced with an “obstinate governor”.
Coordinated legal strategy
“At this crucial juncture, I had called upon all State Governments and leaders of regional parties, who are opposed to the BJP and committed to preserving our federal structure and state autonomy, to unite in the upcoming legal battle,” Stalin said.
“I am now writing to you to personally request you to oppose this reference sought by the President before the Supreme Court,” he stated while tagging the chief ministers of all the non-BJP ruled states in his post.
He emphasised that they must evolve a coordinated legal strategy before the court and present a united front to preserve and protect the basic structure of the Constitution, as upheld by the Supreme Court in its historic judgement.
‘Will move SC for funds’
Earlier, Stalin on Saturday accused the BJP-led Centre of stopping education funds to the state for its petty politics and asserted that his government will move the Supreme Court for the release of over Rs 2,000 crore.
Also read: 'To paralyse non-BJP states': Stalin slams Centre for seeking SC opinion Guv deadlines
Addressing a book release event in Chennai, the chief minister said since Tamil Nadu has not agreed to the 3-language policy, the Centre has not released Rs 2,152 crore. He said the state government would for sure approach the Supreme Court challenging the non-release of education funds by the Centre.
Like the state's success in the governor case, which fixed deadlines for the Governor/President over Bills, Tamil Nadu would win in the education funds-related matter too, he expressed confidence.
Stalin said the struggle to bring education to the state list of the Constitution would continue and in case education was not shifted to the state list, it would be out of bounds for all, he said, once again reaffirming the DMK’s position on this subject.