Belgaum: In a significant development in the ongoing Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Belgaum has submitted a comprehensive factual report to the Karnataka Government regarding the proposal to pass a resolution in the Belgaum City Corporation declaring “Belgaum as an integral part of Karnataka.”
According to the report, Karnataka had accepted the Mahajan Commission Report in its entirety in 1976. Based on that decision, the DC has stated that the state government can proceed with further administrative and legislative measures without requiring a fresh policy decision.
The report was prepared after examining representations submitted by pro-Kannada organisations, feedback from the Belgaum City Corporation Commissioner, and resolutions previously passed by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.
Key Highlights
- The report states that both Houses of the Karnataka Legislature have repeatedly passed resolutions supporting the complete implementation of the Mahajan Commission recommendations.
- It refers to the December 22, 2022 resolution, which reaffirmed the Mahajan Commission Report as the legal basis for safeguarding Karnataka’s territorial interests.
- While acknowledging that Maharashtra’s petition on the border dispute is pending before the Supreme Court, the report states that Karnataka’s official position on the issue remains firm.
- The DC concludes that the Government’s 1976 decision provides sufficient legal and administrative backing for future action concerning the proposed Belgaum City Corporation resolution.
Mahajan Commission Background
The report reiterates that the Mahajan Commission, constituted by the Government of India in 1966 under Justice Mehr Chand Mahajan, recommended that Belgaum remain with Karnataka. It also proposed transferring 264 villages to Maharashtra while retaining 247 villages with Karnataka. Karnataka accepted the recommendations, while Maharashtra rejected them, leading to the long-standing legal dispute.
Background
The report comes after nearly two months of sustained protests by pro-Kannada organisations demanding that the Belgaum City Corporation officially declare “Belgaum as an integral part of Karnataka” by passing a formal resolution.
Note: The Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute remains pending before the Supreme Court of India. The report reflects the official position of the Karnataka administration and does not represent a final judicial determination of the dispute.
