Sikkim Additional Advocate General Sudesh Joshi resigns

Joshi said the allegations against him are baseless and he has always been sincere in his work and efforts towards Sikkim and its people

Amid the row over the Supreme Court’s observation striking down ‘Sikkimese’ as ‘null and void’ Sudesh Joshi has resigned as the Additional Advocate General (AAG) of Sikkim.

Allegations were levelled against him saying that he failed to argue against the Apex Court’s observation and questioned were raised about his loyalty towards Sikkimese welfare.

The allegations came as the issue of SC’s observation striking out definition of Sikkimese and labelling Sikkimese Nepalis as foreigners kindled a huge uproar from Sikkimese people.

Joshi in his resignation letter said that he will always be grateful to the Government of Sikkim for providing him an opportunity to work as Addl. Advocate General of Sikkim.

“The judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the matter of Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim Vs. Union of India pronounced on 13 January, 2023 has led to some social unrest in the Sikkimese society…Some false, unfounded and baseless allegation against me are doing rounds in social and electronic media which are absolutely devoid of merit and labelled to paint me in bad light and to attack the Government,” Joshi wrote in his defence.

He swore his sincerity and allegiance to the people of Sikkim and wrote, “I have always been sincere towards my dearest state of Sikkim and its people. There has never been any professional dereliction of duty on my part.”

Talking about his reason for resignation he wrote, “Under the prevailing situation my conscience does not allow me to continue as the Addl. Advocate General of the state.”

“Sikkim was, is and will always remain dearest to me.” Joshi wrote.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister PS Tamang said that the state government is ready to file a review petition in the Supreme Court to seek revocation of the observation.

Important to mention that as per 2011 Census, 78 per cent population of Sikkim comprises of Sikkimese Nepali people.

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