Following its split from Punjab in 19666, Haryana came into existence as a separate state in the year 1966. Since then despite being separate states, Punjab and Haryana have been at loggerheads over several issues which still remain unresolved after a period of six decades requiring the both states to come up with solutions of concerned matters. After separation from Punjab, reaching a consensus it was decided that Punjab and Haryana will have a 60 and 40 share in assets and resources which are still being used jointly by both states. Haryana has been raising the demand for a separate capital, assembly and High Court, citing that despite the mutual consent Haryana is deprived of its rights as Punjab dominates in terms of rights in most of the assets. In this context, the ‘’Haryana Bachao Abhiyan’’ organisation is on toes to press for the aforementioned demands. In this row, while addressing the mediapersons here on Thursday, the representatives of the ‘’Haryana Banao Abhiyan’’ Manch which claims to be a non-political platform, have raised the demand for a separate capital and High Court for Haryana just before the elections citing several reasons. Notably, there are High Courts in 23 states and union territories of the country. It is pertinent to mention that 14 seminars on the issue of a separate capital and High Court for Haryana state have been organised under the banner of ‘Haryana Banao Abhiyaan’ in presence of Lawyers and social philosophers along with other dignitaries in different districts.
Amidst the ongoing disputes still remaining resolved, referring to having a separate High Court and capital for Haryana, aforementioned organisation along with other social institutions are of the opinion that a separate High Court will create a separate identity for Haryana and the setting up of separate High Court and a capital will pave new path towards generation of new employment opportunities undoubtedly. Besides, the same will lead to elimination of the problems visiting the high court from distant districts namely Palwal, Rewari, Mahendragarh, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Narnaul, Nuh, Faridabad, Gurugram of Haryana.
The demand for a separate capital and High Court for Haryana has been a complex as well as a big political issue in itself. As per the schedule issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the elections will be held in Haryana and Punjab on 25th May in sixth phase and 1 June in seventh phase respectively. With the Lok Sabha polls drawing near, it is natural for the matter pertaining to the demand of separate high court and capital to take a political colour. A member of the above organization said that they would appeal to the people to vote only for those political parties which have induct the demand of a separate capital and High Court for Haryana in their manifesto. He further said that the MLAs of the ruling parties have never been in favour or also do not want a separate capital in view of their vested interests.
Aforementioned ‘’Haryana Banao Abhiyan’’ Organization has also written letters to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Registrar General of the Supreme Court, Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court along with all the concerned Bar Associations to convey their demand for a separate capital and High Court of Haryana. The letter states that under the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, from the same day, Chandigarh, the capital of united Punjab, was declared a Union Territory (UT) and made the common capital of both the successor states (present day Punjab and Haryana). Although according to Article 214 of the Indian Constitution it is mandatory for every state to have a High Court, under the above Act, a common High Court of both the states (Punjab and Haryana High Court) was created. This temporary arrangement was made but even after 57 years the status quo remains and it led to dissatisfaction and a feeling of incompleteness, hostility and ill will in both the states.
About 6 lakh cases are pending in the High Court and people from across the state have to come to Chandigarh for different problems. In such a situation, it is necessary that the Central Government should amend the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966 and create a new capital and High Court. It is pertinent to mention that regarding the above matter, members of Haryana Banao Organization including former Bar Council Chairman Randhir Singh Badharan, former Chief Secretary of Haryana BS Chaudhary and former Deputy Secretary Government MS Chopra, Professor Subhash Saini, former President of Haryana Government Lawyers Association Surendra Bairagi and Nirmal Chaudhary have marked their presence representing their views through a press conference under the banner of organisation.
Since its inception, Haryana continues to have disputes with Punjab on many important issues including Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) which still remains unresolved despite the instructions of the Supreme Court, till date Punjab has not given its share in SYL to Haryana. Apart from this, both Punjab and Haryana have been at loggerheads for a long time regarding the share in the Assembly and Secretariat buildings. According to the agreement signed at the time of separation, Haryana has a 40 percent share in the secretariat and assembly building, but in reality it is less than 30 percent.