The Punjab government has sought an urgent hearing from the Supreme Court concerning the Shanan Hydropower Project. The core issue revolves around the control of the project after the expiration of a 99-year lease. Established in 1925 in Himachal Pradesh, the project has fallen into a state of disrepair.
The Shanan Hydropower Project, a significant British-era initiative, was originally designed to benefit regions including undivided Punjab, Lahore, and Delhi. The lease agreement was made between Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi state and a British representative, and it is now nearing its end. The Punjab government has halted repair and maintenance efforts, resulting in the project's deterioration.
Punjab has initiated legal proceedings under Article 131 of the Constitution, which grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in disputes between states or between states and the Centre. The Punjab government aims to prevent Himachal Pradesh from taking over the project and upsetting its current management.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case urgently. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has advocated for the project's transfer to the state, citing geographical rights and historical injustices from the state's reorganization in 1966.
This legal conflict underscores the intricate issues that arise when historical agreements, regional rights, and administrative control over natural resources come into play as old accords expire. The outcome of this case could set significant precedents for similar disputes in the future.
Q1. What is the Shanan Hydropower Project?
Answer: The Shanan Hydropower Project is a British-era hydropower initiative established in 1925 in Himachal Pradesh, originally serving regions like Punjab and Delhi.
Q2. Why is the Punjab government approaching the Supreme Court?
Answer: The Punjab government is seeking an urgent hearing to contest the control of the Shanan Hydropower Project after the expiry of a 99-year lease with Himachal Pradesh.
Q3. What legal article is being invoked by Punjab?
Answer: Punjab has filed a suit under Article 131 of the Constitution, which pertains to disputes between states and allows for Supreme Court intervention.
Q4. What are the implications of the court case?
Answer: The case highlights the complexities surrounding historical agreements and resource management rights, which could influence future legal precedents in similar disputes.
Q5. What arguments are being made by Himachal Pradesh?
Answer: Himachal Pradesh argues for the project's transfer based on geographical rights and claims of historical injustices occurring during the state's reorganization.
Question 1: What year was the Shanan Hydropower Project established?
A) 1920
B) 1925
C) 1930
D) 1940
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Under which article has Punjab filed its case in the Supreme Court?
A) Article 50
B) Article 131
C) Article 19
D) Article 21
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which government is seeking control over the Shanan Hydropower Project?
A) Himachal Pradesh
B) Punjab
C) Uttarakhand
D) Haryana
Correct Answer: A
Question 4: What type of project is the Shanan Hydropower Project classified as?
A) Thermal power
B) Solar power
C) Hydropower
D) Wind power
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: When did the reorganization of Himachal Pradesh occur?
A) 1950
B) 1966
C) 1972
D) 1980
Correct Answer: B
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