The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966
The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966
ποΈ Introduction
The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 is a central legislation enacted by the Parliament of India to reorganize the State of Punjab on linguistic and administrative grounds. This reorganization led to the creation of the new state of Haryana, the declaration of Chandigarh as a Union Territory, and the transfer of certain areas to Himachal Pradesh.
This was a landmark moment in India's political geography and had long-standing implications for federal relations, state boundaries, language politics, and inter-state disputes (especially over Chandigarh and river waters).
π Historical Background
Pre-1947: Punjab was a large province under British India.
Post-Partition (1947): Punjab was divided into East Punjab (India) and West Punjab (Pakistan).
1956: Under the States Reorganisation Act, PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union) merged with Punjab.
Demand for Punjabi Suba: Sikh political parties, especially the Shiromani Akali Dal, demanded a separate Punjabi-speaking state.
After much political negotiation and agitation, Parliament passed the Punjab Reorganisation Act in 1966, which came into effect on November 1, 1966.
π― Objectives of the Act
To create a new state of Haryana from the Hindi-speaking areas of Punjab.
To define the boundaries and territories of Punjab and Haryana.
To make Chandigarh a Union Territory and serve as a joint capital for both Punjab and Haryana.
To transfer certain hill areas from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh.
To provide for the distribution of assets and liabilities between Punjab and Haryana.
To settle matters related to services, river water distribution, and state institutions.
𧱠Key Provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966
β 1. Creation of Haryana (Section 3)
The Hindi-speaking areas of Punjab were carved out to form the State of Haryana.
Haryana was given its own legislature and executive machinery.
Its boundaries were defined in the First Schedule of the Act.
β 2. Union Territory of Chandigarh (Section 4)
Chandigarh was separated from Punjab and made a Union Territory.
It was to serve as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
β 3. Adjustment of Boundaries
Certain hill areas of Punjab were merged into Himachal Pradesh (e.g., Kangra, Kullu, Lahul-Spiti).
Revised boundaries were specified in the Schedules of the Act.
β 4. Distribution of Assets and Liabilities (Sections 48β63)
Assets (like government buildings, funds, etc.) and liabilities (like loans, pensions, etc.) were to be equitably divided between Punjab and Haryana.
The division was based on population ratio, location, and use.
β 5. River Water Sharing (Section 78 onwards)
The Act provided that rights in river waters would continue to be subject to the Government of India's control.
This included the controversial Ravi-Beas river waters.
The Bhakra-Nangal and Beas Projects were placed under the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
β 6. Representation in Parliament and Legislatures
The Act provided for changes in the representation of Punjab and Haryana in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Also defined the number of seats in the new State Assemblies.
β 7. High Court and Judicial Matters
A common High Court (Punjab and Haryana High Court) continued to serve both states.
Service conditions and staffing were defined under transitional provisions.
β 8. Services and Employees
Government employees were allotted to either state based on options and administrative requirements.
A central advisory committee was constituted to oversee the process.
βοΈ Important Case Laws
1. State of Haryana v. State of Punjab & Anr. (2002) SC
Issue: Concerning construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal.
Held: The Supreme Court directed Punjab to complete its portion of the canal to allow Haryana access to its share of river waters, as mandated under the Reorganisation Act and subsequent agreements.
Significance: The case underlined the enforceability of inter-state agreements and the role of the central government in settling water disputes.
2. In re: Presidential Reference on Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004 (2016 SC)
Issue: Punjab enacted a law terminating all river water agreements with other states.
Held: The Supreme Court opined that the Punjab Act was unconstitutional, as it violated the provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act and binding agreements.
Significance: Reinforced the supremacy of inter-state agreements and central authority in water sharing.
3. Union of India v. Harbhajan Singh Dhillon (1972 SC)
Issue: Though not directly about the Reorganisation Act, it dealt with property rights and distribution of assets between reorganized states.
Held: The Supreme Court upheld the validity of laws passed under reorganisation powers of Parliament under Article 3 of the Constitution.
Significance: Reaffirmed that Parliament has wide powers in reorganizing state boundaries and structures.
π Constitutional Basis
Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to:
Form a new state.
Alter boundaries of existing states.
Change names of states.
The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 was enacted under this provision.
βοΈ Practical and Political Implications
β 1. Linguistic and Cultural Identity
Recognized the linguistic demands of the Punjabi and Hindi-speaking populations.
Paved the way for linguistic states in Northern India.
β 2. Chandigarh Dispute
Chandigarh became a Union Territory but remains a point of dispute.
Punjab has demanded its full integration, while Haryana insists on a shared or alternative capital.
β 3. River Water Disputes
Sharing of Ravi-Beas waters remains a major source of tension between Punjab and Haryana.
Political and legal battles continue, despite Supreme Court rulings.
β 4. Common Institutions
Institutions like the Punjab and Haryana High Court, BBMB, and common civil services were retained.
Reflects a pragmatic approach to division with shared governance models.
β 5. Himachal Pradesh
Benefited by gaining several hill districts.
Helped in expanding its territorial and administrative base.
π Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Enacted | 1966 |
| Came into Effect | 1 November 1966 |
| New State Created | Haryana |
| Union Territory Created | Chandigarh |
| Territories Transferred | Hill areas to Himachal Pradesh |
| Key Issues | River water sharing, Chandigarh dispute, service allocations |
| Key Cases | SYL Canal Case (2002), Presidential Reference (2016), Harbhajan Singh (1972) |
| Constitutional Basis | Article 3 of the Indian Constitution |
β Conclusion
The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 is a foundational law that reshaped the political geography of Northern India. It legally formalized the demands for linguistic and cultural identity, created Haryana as a new state, and led to administrative restructuring. However, it also sowed the seeds for long-term inter-state disputes, especially around river waters and Chandigarh, which continue to impact Indian federalism and politics today.
RELATED Blog
0 comments