Constitutional expert on PM’s word on Special Status

Constitutional Expert, Dr. PC Rao who currently is a judge in a special chapter of UNO and previously Secretary in Union Home Ministry opined that the then Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh promising 5 years Special Status to Andhra Pradesh is a legal commitment. He added that any promise made by the PM and Minister before passing a bill in the house is a legal commitment.

[m9ad]

This is valid even in international courts he say. PC Rao even went on to say the government can not escape from the promise saying that it is not in the act. He also refused to draw parallel between AP’s demand for Special Status and the demand of other states. The then Prime Minister’s promise to AP is legally enforceable solemn commitment.

He went on to question why a legal expert like Arun Jaitley did not raise the issue of not including Special Issue in the bill back then. He also asserted that any one can approach the court over this issue and get a favourable verdict for the state. But given the need for good relations between state and central governments, it can be only the last step.