July 25, 1985, Forty Years Ago: Historic Accord

Indian Express

3 days ago

The problem of Punjab, which has spawned some of the bloodiest events in the country's history in the last four years, has at long last been solved. PM Rajiv Gandhi and Akali Dal chief Harchand Singh Longowal signed an agreement that includes the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab and some Hindi-speaking areas to Haryana, rehabilitation of those discharged from the Army and reference of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution to the Sarkaria Commission.
Scenes of Joy
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's announcement regarding the Punjab accord was generally welcomed by the common man. Scenes of jubilation were witnessed outside the Indian Express office, where Sikhs were seen embracing Hindus with joy. There were reports from different parts of the Capital of people distributing sweets after the announcement.
Leaders Hail Accord
Leaders of several political parties, parliamentarians and eminent citizens hailed the accord. Punjab Governor Arjun Singh, who was present in the Speaker's gallery when the announcement was made, expressed his 'deepest pleasure'. More than 50 MPs from different parts of the country in a joint statement said the accord would put an end to the era of confrontation and uncertainty and usher in an era of peace, prosperity and progress.
Sacking Staff
The Supreme Court has held that a government servant can be dismissed, removed or demoted without an opportunity to explain his case under Article 311 (2) (b) of the Constitution if it was in public interest. The principle that a person should get an opportunity to be heard before action is taken against him ('natural justice') can be modified and in exceptional cases even excluded, a Constitution bench has ruled.