Court notice over Sikkim chief minister's citizenship

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the central government on a petition that says Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling is not an Indian citizen and seeks a direction to the government in the matter.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the central government on a petition that says Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling is not an Indian citizen and seeks a direction to the government in the matter.

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Justice S Ravindra Bhat sought a response from the central government by July 17 on the petition filed by Padam Prakash Sharma, who says Chamling is a citizen of Nepal and should be disqualified.

He also alleged that the central government and the Election Commission were ignoring his complaint.

The northeastern state goes to the assembly polls April 30 and the issue should be decided before that, Sharma said.

Sharma said he had documents to prove his contention.

Chamling, legislator from Damthang, is the leader of the Sikkim Democratic Front.