Prem Singh Tamang expresses concern over mention of Sikkimese Nepali community as foreigners

Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister of Sikkim expressed his deep concern about the mention of the Sikkimese Nepali Community as foreigners in the recent Supreme court Verdict and asserted that the remark is in the observation part and not in the judgment part of the verdict.

In this regard, he assured that the State Government would put all efforts for expunging the said remarks. The Chief Minister said that the state government has already initiated steps for filing the review petition for addressing the concerns of the Sikkimese Nepali community.

Sikkim Health Minister Mani Kumar Sharma Thursday resigned from his post in protest against the state government’s handling of the Supreme Court’s observation.


In a letter to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Sharma said that the “state government has not taken the sentiments of Sikkimese people seriously”.

“I feel it is not necessary to remain in the state cabinet further,” he said and urged the Tamang to accept his resignation letter with immediate effect.

The Supreme Court in its Order dated January 13, 2023, had directed the Centre to amend the definition of 'Sikkimese' in Section 10 (26AAA) of Income Tax Act 1961 for including income tax exemption to all Indian citizens domiciled in Sikkim on or before the merger date of April 26, 1975.

"The Union of India shall make an amendment to Explanation to Section 10 (26AAA) of IT Act, 1961, so as to suitably include a clause to extend the exemption from payment of income tax to all Indian citizens domiciled in Sikkim on or before 26th April, 1975.

"The reason for such a direction is to save explanation from unconstitutionality and to ensure parity in the facts and circumstances of the case," said the apex court while disposing of two writ petitions.

There is a series of protests in Sikkim following the apex court order and asserted that the remark is in the observation part and not in the judgment part of the verdict.