Merger Agreement PIL to start from HC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 19 2013: Having perused the PIL filed by RTI activist Dr Th Suresh Singh regarding implementation of Article VII(3) of the Merger Agreement, the Supreme Court in its hearing on December 17 has reportedly asked the petitioner to first approach the State High Court.

Speaking to newspersons at State BJP office in Nityaipat Chuthek today, petitioner Dr Suresh, Director (Retd) of Health Services, Manipur said consequent to the Supreme Court directive the matter would be placed before the High Court of Manipur.

Stating that PIL filed on September 10 was heard by the double bench of the apex court comprising Justices BS Chouhan and SA Bobbe, Dr Suresh said the Justices observed that the case is an important one and deserves further hearing 'as it involves Merger Agreement' .

Noting that many States were also merged into the Indian Union, the Supreme Court suggested that the petitioner first approach the High Court to take their opinion and then reapproach to the apex court after completing due process of the High court, said Dr Suresh.

Article VII (3) of the Merger Agreement signed between Maharaja Bodhachandra and the Indian Dominion on September 21, 1949 infers that "The Govt of India also undertake to make suitable provisions for the employment of Manipuris in the various branches of the public services, and in every way encourage Manipuris to join them.

They also undertake to preserve various laws, customs and conventions prevailing in the State pertaining to the social, economic and religious life of the people" .

Reiterating that his PIL sought information to what extent provisions of the said Article has been implemented, Dr Suresh, who is also chairman of Centre for Foreign Studies and Placement, said if there is still lack of clarity regarding implementation then the Supreme Court would be urged to cite whether the said Merger Agreement could be construed as invalid.

Present at the media briefing, BJP national executive member Sh Shantikumar Sharma and State unit's Media Affairs secretary L Bashanta Sharma affirmed that the party will extend all possible assistance and cooperation in the endeavour of Dr Suresh.

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