SC to examine whether time limit for bills applies to Kerala as well; verdict in Tamil Nadu case not applicable, says Centre and Governor

NEW DELHI: The Kerala state government has argued in the Supreme Court that the verdict in the Tamil Nadu case, which set a deadline for the President and the Governor to take a decision on bills passed by the Assembly, is applicable to Kerala as well. Former Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the state, said that since the Supreme Court verdict in the Tamil Nadu case is applicable, Kerala is ready to withdraw its interim application in this regard. A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi then decided to hear and examine in detail whether the verdict is applicable to Kerala as well. It will be considered again on May 6.

Meanwhile, Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the verdict in the case against Tamil Nadu Governor Dr RN Ravi is not applicable to Kerala. Both appeared for the Central Government and Kerala Governor Arlekar.

The Solicitor General said that he needed time to study the implications of the verdict. The Attorney General clarified that there are factual differences in the cases of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Many of Kerala's arguments did not fall within the scope of the verdict. He also informed that he could tell which ones.

The Kerala state government had filed two petitions against the former governor. KK Venugopal pointed out that one of them was under consideration by the Chief Justice's bench. It is scheduled to be considered there on the 13th. The two-judge bench suggested requesting the Chief Justice to take action in considering both the petitions together in that case.