Presidential Intervention: Withholding Assent to University Bills
New Delhi, 1 March, 24: In a significant development, President Droupadi Murmu has chosen to withhold assent to three university bills passed by the LDF government in Kerala. The move comes amidst heightened discussions and debates surrounding the autonomy and governance of educational institutions in the state.
One of the bills, which sought to replace the Kerala Governor as the University Chancellor, has also been withheld by President Murmu. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse over the roles and responsibilities of university chancellors in the state.
The bill in question had been referred to Rashtrapati Bhavan for consideration by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. President Murmu's decision to withhold assent underscores the complexities and nuances involved in the relationship between state governments and the central authority.
Additionally, President Murmu denied assent to the University Law Amendment Bill, 2022, and the University Law Amendment Bill, 2021. These bills, which aimed to introduce amendments to existing university laws, have faced scrutiny and debate both within and outside the legislative chambers.
The withholding of assent to these bills follows the referral of seven bills to the President in November 2023. Notably, out of these seven bills, only one has received assent, indicating the cautious approach adopted by the central authority towards legislative proposals from the state.
The decision by President Murmu has sparked discussions among policymakers, academicians, and legal experts, highlighting the importance of upholding constitutional principles and ensuring the effective functioning of educational institutions. As the debate continues, stakeholders await further developments and potential avenues for resolution on this matter.
