Uttarakhand High Court Seeks State Government's Reply on Jaunsari Spelling Correction
The Uttarakhand High Court has issued a directive to the state government, demanding clarification on the status of correcting the spelling of "Jaunsari" that was allegedly recorded as "Jansari" in the Central government gazette for the tribal region of Jaunsar Bawar in Dehradun district. This order came during a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a local resident, highlighting concerns over the error's impact on welfare benefits.
Court's Directive and Hearing Details
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Subhash Upadhyay sought a reply within two weeks on whether any steps had been taken by the state government to rectify the spelling mistake. The hearing took place on Monday, with the court emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue due to its implications for the tribal community.
Petitioner's Arguments and Background
During the proceedings, petitioner Madhu Chauhan, a resident of Vikasnagar, submitted that the spelling was changed in the English version of the gazette following the state's reorganisation and has remained uncorrected since. She argued that only the Central government can amend the notification, as it carries the President's signature and requires due approval. Chauhan further informed the court that the commission's chairman and the state government had written to the Centre seeking correction, but no decision has been taken so far.
Impact on Tribal Welfare Schemes
The petitioner contended that the spelling error has deprived residents of the Jaunsar Bawar region of benefits under central welfare schemes. This issue underscores broader concerns about administrative accuracy and its effects on marginalized communities, with the court's intervention aiming to ensure timely resolution and access to entitled resources.
