Supreme Court to Hear Challenge Against Tamil Nadu Governor's Decision on TVK Government Formation

Legal Challenge Against Governor's Refusal

New Delhi: A former IPS officer has approached the Supreme Court, contesting the Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's decision to not invite C Joseph Vijay, the leader of the TVK party, to establish a government despite his party securing the most seats in the recent elections.

The petition was submitted by retired IPS officer M Ramasubramani, who previously held the positions of Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police. He argues that the governor's refusal constitutes an unconstitutional assessment of majority outside the legislative assembly.

The petition asserts that the governor should not obstruct TVK from demonstrating its majority through a floor test.

In the April 23 elections, TVK secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, making it the largest party.

Although the Congress party, with five MLAs, has pledged support to TVK, the latter still falls short of the majority threshold of 118 seats.

Vijay, the founder of TVK, has approached Governor Arlekar on two occasions, seeking an invitation to form the government, but has yet to receive any such invitation.

Additionally, a TVK member filed a petition in the Supreme Court on Friday, urging the Tamil Nadu governor to invite TVK to form the state government.

The petition by Ezhilarasi K claims that the governor's inaction violates Articles 12 and 32 of the Constitution.