In a significant development on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed strong disapproval in the State Assembly regarding comments made by Governor R.N. Ravi concerning the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2025.
Subsequently, the Assembly, at the Chief Minister’s initiative, passed a resolution unequivocally rejecting the Governor’s observations on the Bill.
Chief Minister Stalin clarified that as the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill is categorized as a Finance Bill, it constitutionally requires the Governor’s recommendation before its introduction in the Assembly, as per Article 207(3). He explained that after a thorough process of public consultation and reviewing submissions, the Health and Family Welfare Department, in conjunction with the Law Department and the Health and Family Welfare Minister, drafted the Bill and forwarded it to the Governor.
However, instead of adhering to standard constitutional procedures, Governor Ravi conveyed specific opinions on certain clauses of the Bill. He further stipulated that these observations should be brought to the attention of the Assembly members during the Bill’s introduction.
A Constitutional Clash
“Such actions directly contravene the Constitution and the established Rules of Procedure of this Assembly,” Mr. Stalin asserted. He stressed that during a Bill’s deliberation, only elected Assembly members possess the authority to propose amendments, retract them if satisfactory explanations are provided, or call for a vote if they remain unconvinced. The Chief Minister emphasized, “Prior to the Bill’s enactment by the Assembly, the Governor holds no right to make remarks or observations on its provisions. Consequently, the Governor’s observations on this Bill cannot be entertained by this esteemed House.”
Mr. Stalin further criticized the Governor’s use of the phrase “appropriate consideration” instead of simply “consideration.” He questioned, “What does ‘appropriate’ signify in this context? It subtly implies that the Assembly might otherwise review Bills in an improper or unsuitable manner. This is a direct affront to the dignity and autonomy of this legislative body. The inherent power to legislate rests solely with this Assembly.”
Understanding the Siddha University Bill
Following this parliamentary exchange, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ma. Subramanian, officially presented the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2025. The primary objective of this Bill is to establish a dedicated Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University in Chennai, aimed at providing comprehensive education and training across various disciplines of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy.
Key provisions of the Bill stipulate that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister will serve as the University’s Chancellor, with the Minister for Health and Family Welfare acting as the Pro-Chancellor. The selection of Vice-Chancellors will be overseen by the Chancellor, who will choose from a shortlist of three candidates proposed by a specially constituted committee.
This committee will comprise three distinguished individuals: a nominee from the Chancellor (who must be a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge or a prominent educationist), a government nominee (a retired or serving officer of Principal Secretary rank or an eminent educationist), and a nominee from the Senate (an eminent educationist). The Vice-Chancellor’s tenure is set for three years or until they reach the age of 70, whichever comes first, as detailed in the Bill.