Two judges giving final word on constitutional amendments; why Parliament then? Guv Arlekar slams SC verdict

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar critiqued the Supreme Court's verdict against the Tamil Nadu Governor, setting a time frame for governors to decide on bills passed by the state assembly. He expressed his views in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, describing the Supreme Court's action as a verdict gone overboard.

GUV ARLEKAR:

"It is up to Parliament to decide on such matters. It is justifiable to say that the Governor should not hold up bills unnecessarily, but the Constitution does not mention a specific time frame for passing the bill. I felt that the judiciary should have left the matter to the Constitution Bench. The Constitution does not set any time limit for the Governor to approve a bill. But if the Supreme Court says a time limit is required, it will be a constitutional amendment.

It is the right of Parliament to amend the Constitution. A two-thirds majority is required in favour of the amendment. How can two judges sitting there (in the Supreme Court) decide the verdict of the constitutional provision?

I don't understand this. This is excessive interference by the judiciary. They should not have done this. If the constitutional amendment is done by the court, then why the legislature and parliament?

SC can give the direction, but the time frame should be decided by the Parliament. The Tamil Nadu Governor may have some issues with the bills. We have seen many cases pending in various courts for years. Cases are pending in the High Courts and the Supreme Court. The judges will have their reasons for this delay. In the same vein of things, the governor may also have some reasons not to decide on the bills. If the people of this country feel that a deadline should be set, let us do it through Parliament.

I have a good relationship with the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. There have been no problems between us so far. All the issues were discussed and resolved. Former Governor Arif Khan did what was necessary during those times. About the Governor-Government tensions during Arif ji’s tenure, I would like to say It takes two hands clapping to make a noise.”