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The Supreme Court of India recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Evangelist Dr. KA Paul, who sought to declare Tirupati as a separate state or Union Territory. Paul, in his petition, drew a comparison to Vatican City, a sovereign city-state with a population of just over 700 people, arguing that a separate state could be carved out for Tirupati, a city revered for its religious significance and home to the renowned Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. He asserted that creating a separate state would safeguard and enhance the city's image, promoting religious tourism and economic development.
However, the Supreme Court, after considering the arguments presented by Dr. Paul, found no merit in his plea and dismissed it. The Court's decision highlights the complexities involved in altering existing state boundaries and the need for a strong legal basis and compelling reasons to justify such a move. The Court likely considered the potential implications of redrawing state lines, including administrative, economic, and political ramifications. While the petitioner argued for the cultural and religious significance of Tirupati, the Court ultimately determined that the existing legal framework and administrative structure did not warrant the creation of a separate state.
This dismissal serves as a reminder that the creation of new states or Union Territories requires rigorous legal scrutiny and a comprehensive assessment of the potential impact. The Court's decision reflects a cautious approach to altering existing state boundaries and underlines the importance of upholding the existing legal framework and administrative structures in India. The petitioner's attempt to use the Vatican as an example, while highlighting his desire for Tirupati's unique identity, ultimately fell short in convincing the Court of the necessity for a separate state.