30/01/2025
Press Release | Citizen Action Party- Sikkim.
Supreme Court’s Ruling on Domicile Raises Grave Concerns for Sikkim’s Special Status—SKM Government Must Clarify Its Stand.
The Supreme Court’s recent judgment declaring that the concept of regional or provincial domicile is alien to the Indian legal system has sent shockwaves across Sikkim. While the ruling pertains to residence-based reservations in PG medical admissions, its broader implications on Sikkim’s special status under Article 371F cannot be ignored. The Citizen Action Party – Sikkim (CAP-S) demands that the SKM government immediately clarify whether this judgment will affect the rights of Sikkim Subject Certificate (SSC) and Certificate of Identification (COI) holders.
Sikkim’s historical merger with India in 1975 was based on solemn assurances that its distinct identity, cultural heritage, and legal protections would be safeguarded under Article 371F. However, over the past few years, we have witnessed a systematic dilution of these safeguards. The recent Supreme Court judgment expanding the definition of “Sikkimese” in income tax matters has already created widespread insecurity among the people. Now, this ruling on domicile further adds salt to the wound, raising fears that Sikkim’s unique identity is being gradually eroded.
The CAP-S firmly believes that the concept of domicile is at the core of Sikkim’s special status. If all citizens of India carry a single domicile, as the Supreme Court states, does this mean that the protections granted under Article 371F will be rendered meaningless? Will the SSC and COI lose their significance in future legal interpretations? These are urgent questions that demand immediate answers from the SKM-led government.
At a time when Sikkim is already facing major challenges ranging from economic instability to environmental disasters—this judgment poses yet another existential threat to the rights and privileges of Sikkimese people. The silence of the SKM government on these crucial issues is unacceptable. CAP-S urges the Chief Minister and his administration to take a clear and firm stand on whether this ruling has any bearing on Sikkim’s legal framework.
The Citizen Action Party- Sikkim is engaged in politics for welfare of citizens of Sikkim. Our principle stand is that every resident of Sikkim should have the right to live and to live with dignity, security, and with constitutional privileges. However, this should not come at the cost of erasing Sikkim’s very existence. The people of Sikkim deserve transparency, leadership, and a government that will fiercely protect their interests. Citizen Action Party- Sikkim will not remain silent while Sikkim’s special status is chipped away. We call upon all right-thinking citizens to demand answers and stand united in safeguarding Sikkim’s unique identity.
Bhushan Adhikari
Vice President (Political Affairs)
Citizen Action Party- Sikkim.