President Draupadi Murmu has returned the Chennai University Amendment Bill, 2022, to the Tamil Nadu government. The Bill would let the State appoint the Vice-Chancellor instead of the Chancellor. The President withheld assent without giving reasons. The Tamil Nadu government is reviewing options and will take a final decision soon. Higher Education Minister Govi. Chezhiaan told The Hindu, "There are options available and the final decision would soon be taken by the Chief Minister." He added that "The appointment of Vice-Chancellors should be the State government’s prerogative." The Bill was passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly in April 2022. However, Governor R.N. Ravi delayed forwarding the Bill for over a year, saying it conflicted with UGC rules and norms. Dr. Chezhiaan called this "partisan behaviour" and said it proved the Governor is "not fit to hold the post." The Bill sought to replace the word 'Chancellor' with 'Government' in the Madras University Act, 1923, Section 11 to give the State more control over Vice-Chancellor appointments. The Bill pointed out that states like Gujarat and Telangana already let their governments appoint Vice-Chancellors. In Karnataka, appointments happen with the Chancellor’s and State government's agreement. Officials say the situation is tricky. Unlike a Governor’s return of a Bill, the President's withholding of assent has no clear precedent. Legal options are limited after a recent Supreme Court ruling on Governor and President powers over bills. One idea is to draft a new Act with fresh provisions and pass it in the Assembly again. But officials warn it may not resolve the deadlock. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K. Selvaperunthagai called the President’s return of the Bill a "setback to the principle of cooperative federalism." He said the decision, advised by the BJP-led Centre, was "condemnable." He urged the Chief Minister to consider legal steps next. The Tamil Nadu government now faces a challenge on how to move forward while maintaining control over university appointments.