Rally held to protest dilution of old laws in Sikkim

Gangtok, Dec 5 (UNI) November 27 Committee today held a rally here to protest against the possible dilution of old laws of Sikkim.

The 22-member committe was formed on November 27 with Mr T N Dhakal as the Chairman and Dr S Rai as the Secretary to protect the old laws of the state following a High Court observation.

The High Court during the hearing of a case filed by one Vinod Kumar Sinha, a lecturer in Government College Sikkim had questioned the validity of the Rule 4 (4) of Sikkim Government's Establishment Rule 1974 that gives preferential treatment to the Sikkimese people in the government job.

The Rule 4 (4) provides that an outsider can be appointed in a government job on contract till a suitable qualified Sikkimese candidate is available. Replacement of such appointee can be made whenever a suitable Sikkimese is available.

Mr Sinha moved the court challenging the procedure of appointment.

Though all old laws that exist before the merger of Sikkim with India in 1975 were protected under Art 371F (k) of the constitution, the committee members felt the possible dilution of the old laws and took out the rally.

Thousands of people drawn from various associations carrying posters that read '' Do not test our endurance'' ''Our tolerance has a limit'' participated in the rally.

The rally started from Government college Tadong and terminated at White hall.

Addressing the rally at Whitehall the leaders said they would go to any extent to protect interest of the future generations.

The rallyists also argued that the Rule 4 (4) was valid and the Supreme Court had already upheld its validity.

Meanwhile, the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front had given a two-day bandh call beginning December 9 among other things to register their protest against the possible dilution of the old laws.

UNI BD KK AKP1701