SC’s observation declaring ‘Sikkimese’ ‘null and void’: Sikkim CM says ready to file review petition

CM said he spoke to Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju who has assured all help. The review petition would be filed in 2-3 days

Screengrab of CM PS Tamang speaking to Northeast Live

The issue of Supreme Court in its recent observation of January 13, 2023 striking down the word ‘Sikkimese’ and thereby declaring it ‘null and void’ has snowballed into a big socio-political issue. Several political parties including the ruling SKM have staged rallies demanding a review of the Apex Court’s observation.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has said that the state is ready to file a review petition regarding the issue before the Supreme Court.

Speaking to Northeast Live, Chief Minister Tamang said that his government will file a review petition in the apex court in a bid to revoke the observation. He added that he is in touch with the Centre for assistance in filing the review petition and welcomed the tax exemption for the Sikkimese Nepali community in the Supreme Court exemption.

Chief Minister PS Tamang said, “I welcome the Supreme Court’s order giving relief to old settlers from Income Tax. The order was stayed since 2008 and now the old settlers have been exempted, they have got their right. But I, my government and my party, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, we are very concerned with the Supreme Court’s recent observation regarding the Sikkimese Nepali people. We are very serious about filing the review petition. The work for the petition is complete. I personally spoke to Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and he has assured all help. He said that the Centre too would ensure that no one suffers”.

Asked when the petition would be filed, the CM said, “We will do it (file review petition) within 2-3 days and we will engage the best of the lawyers. Our team including our additional advocate general is fully engaged in the process.”

The Sikkim Students Association, Delhi too has condemned the SC’s observation and said that declaring the Sikkimese Nepali settlers as “immigrants” or “foreigners,” “puts a question mark on the nationality of the whole Sikkimese Nepali community which is a threat to their national identity.”

The recently formed political party, Citizen Action Party too has expressed concern regarding the observation.

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