Union of India v. Berubari Union, AIR 1960 SC 845

Background – Beruberi Union

The Union of India v. Berubari Union case (1960) arose from a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan concerning the Berubari Union, a region situated in West Bengal. The dispute came into focus due to the Radcliffe Award, which delineated the boundary between India and Pakistan during the partition in 1947. However, ambiguity in the demarcation of certain areas, including Berubari Union, led to contention between the two nations.

The case was referred to the Supreme Court of India for an advisory opinion on the legality and process of transferring territory from India to Pakistan through an executive agreement under the provisions of the Constitution of India.

Issue

The primary question was whether the Indian government could cede any part of its territory, including the Berubari Union, to Pakistan solely based on an executive agreement, without a formal constitutional amendment.

Judgment

The Supreme Court of India, in its advisory opinion, held that the cession of Indian territory could not be carried out without a constitutional amendment. The Court reasoned that:

1. Article 1 and Territorial Integrity: Article 1 of the Indian Constitution defines the territory of India, and the integrity of Indian territory is a constitutional matter. Any alteration or cession of territory must follow the due constitutional process.
2. Constitutional Amendment Requirement: The Court ruled that an executive agreement alone could not be used to cede territory to a foreign nation. The transfer of territory would require an amendment to the Constitution under Article 368, as it involves altering the boundaries of India.
3. No Unilateral Action: The Supreme Court emphasized that ceding any part of India to another country without amending the Constitution would be unconstitutional. This reaffirmed the principle that India’s territorial integrity is of paramount importance and must be preserved through proper legal and constitutional channels.

Impact

The ruling in Union of India v. Berubari Union established the necessity of a constitutional amendment for any cession of territory. This case laid the groundwork for the subsequent 9th Constitutional Amendment in 1960, which enabled the transfer of the Berubari Union to Pakistan as part of a formal settlement. The decision remains crucial in understanding the procedural requirements for territorial adjustments between India and other countries.

Citation

Union of India v. Berubari Union, AIR 1960 SC 845, Link to the judgment.