The Tamil Nadu Government has recently made significant strides in implementing 10 Acts following a decisive ruling by the Supreme Court. These Acts, now officially notified in the Government Gazette, mark a pivotal moment in the state’s governance and legislative landscape. The genesis of this development lies in the apex court’s verdict on 10 Bills that were re-adopted by the Assembly and subsequently forwarded to the President by the Governor. The Supreme Court adjudged that these Bills were to be considered as having received assent, paving the way for transformative legislative changes in Tamil Nadu.
A New Era for State-Run Universities
One of the key aspects of these Acts revolves around the appointments of Vice-Chancellors in state-run universities, a realm traditionally governed by the authority of the Governor-Chancellor. However, with the implementation of these new Acts, this power dynamic undergoes a significant shift, as the authority is now vested in the government. This move signifies a departure from established norms, heralding a fresh chapter in the governance of educational institutions in the state.
Among the Acts that have been brought into effect, notable mentions include The Tamil Nadu Fisheries University (Amendment) Act, 2020, which notably renames the university as The Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University. Additionally, Acts such as The Tamil Nadu Universities Laws (Amendment) Act, 2022, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University (Amendment) Act, 2022, and The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai (Amendment) Act, 2022, signal a comprehensive overhaul in the governance structure of these educational institutions.
Pioneering Legislative Initiatives
What sets these Acts apart is not only their content but also the historical precedent they establish. For the first time in Indian legislative history, Acts have been set in motion without the conventional signatures of the Governor or President but rather on the foundation of the Supreme Court’s judgment. This landmark decision underscores a new era of legislative autonomy and empowerment, symbolizing a shift towards a more streamlined and efficient governance framework.
In response to these groundbreaking developments, DMK Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson expressed profound optimism about the future trajectory of Tamil Nadu’s universities. “History is made as these are the first Acts of any legislature in India to have taken effect without the signature of the Governor/President but on the strength of the judgment of the Supreme Court. Our universities will now be cleansed and taken to a new level under the chancellorship of the Government,” Wilson remarked. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative nature of these Acts in shaping the state’s educational landscape. “DMK means creating history,” Stalin affirmed, encapsulating the spirit of progress and innovation that permeates these legislative changes.
Published on April 12, 2025 at 11:50 am IST, these Acts stand as a testament to Tamil Nadu’s commitment to fostering a progressive and dynamic governance framework. As the state embarks on a new chapter in its legislative journey, the implementation of these Acts heralds a future of promise, growth, and innovation in the realm of education and governance.
