**SEO Title:** PIL Challenges Tamil Nadu’s 10 Amendment Acts in High Court
**Meta Description:** A PIL has been filed in the Madras High Court against the 10 Amendment Acts in Tamil Nadu, questioning their legality and compliance with UGC regulations.
**URL Slug:** tamil-nadu-pil-amendment-acts-challenge
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**PIL Challenges Tamil Nadu’s 10 Amendment Acts in High Court**
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Madras High Court, contesting the legality of the 10 Amendment Acts enacted following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed the Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi’s inaction on bills as “illegal.” These amendments, which for the first time circumvent the Governor’s approval, empower the State Government to appoint Vice Chancellors and designate the Chief Minister as the Chancellor of state-run universities, effectively replacing the Governor’s role.
The controversy originated when the DMK-led State Government initiated legal proceedings against the Governor in the Supreme Court. The Court ruled that the 10 re-passed Bills had received assent under Article 142, clarifying that the Governor does not possess “pocket veto” powers. It mandated a timeline of one to three months for the Governor to act on a Bill, depending on the options available.
The PIL, filed by K Venkatachalapathy, seeks to declare the 12th Amendment Act null and void. The petitioner contends that these amendments contravene University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, which stipulate that the Chancellor’s panel must appoint the Vice-Chancellor based on recommendations from a search committee. Additionally, the petitioner raises concerns regarding the ambiguity surrounding the term ‘Government’ in the Acts, questioning whether it refers to the Assembly, Cabinet, or the Executive Head.
Justices GR Swaminathan and V Lakshmi have accepted the petition and instructed both the State and Central Governments to submit their responses by next week. The case is set for a hearing on May 21st, marking a significant moment in the ongoing legal battle over governance in Tamil Nadu.
**FAQ Section**
**Q: What is the main issue raised in the PIL against the 10 Amendment Acts?**
A: The PIL challenges the legality of the 10 Amendment Acts, arguing that they violate UGC regulations and questioning the definition of ‘Government’ within the Acts.