The Centre on Wednesday assured the Supreme Court that it will not touch the special provisions of the North-Eastern states. The assurance was given by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta during the hearing of a petition that challenged the constitutional validity of Article 371A of the Constitution.
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Article 371A deals with the special provisions applicable to the state of Nagaland. It grants the state a special status and provides for a number of safeguards, including the protection of its land, its culture, and its identity.
The petition, filed by a group of lawyers, argued that Article 371A is unconstitutional because it discriminates against other states. The petitioners also argued that the article is unnecessary because the Constitution already provides for safeguards for the North-East.
The Centre, however, defended Article 371A. Mehta argued that the article is necessary to protect the unique culture and identity of the North-East. He also argued that the article does not discriminate against other states.
The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on the petition.
The assurance given by the Centre is a positive development. It shows that the government is committed to protecting the special provisions of the North-East. The special provisions are essential to the protection of the unique culture and identity of the North-East. They also help to ensure that the development of the North-East is in line with its own needs and aspirations.
The assurance given by the Centre will be welcomed by the people of the North-East. They have long been concerned about the possibility that the special provisions would be eroded. The assurance will give them peace of mind and will help to ensure that the special provisions are protected.
The Supreme Court will now have to decide whether Article 371A is unconstitutional. The court will have to consider the arguments of the petitioners and the response of the Centre. The court will also have to consider the precedents set by previous cases.
The decision of the Supreme Court will be important for the future of the North-East. If the court upholds the constitutionality of Article 371A, it will be a victory for the people of the North-East. It will ensure that the special provisions are protected and that the unique culture and identity of the North-East are preserved.
However, if the court strikes down Article 371A, it will be a setback for the people of the North-East. It will open the door to the erosion of the special provisions and could lead to the assimilation of the North-East into the rest of India.
The Supreme Court's decision is likely to be a closely watched one. It will be a test of the court's commitment to protecting the rights of the marginalized and the protection of diversity in India.
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