The Pondicherry (Alteration of Name) Act, 2006

Summary of the Pondicherry (Alteration of Name) Act, 2006
Key Provisions
1. Name Change: - From: Union territory of Pondicherry
• To: Union territory of Puducherry
• Effective Date: As notified by the Central Government
2. Constitutional and Legislative Amendments: - Amendments to various schedules and parts of the Constitution of India and other relevant Acts (e.g., substitution of "Union territory" for "Presidency" in relevant contexts, and specific judicial amendments like those to section 57 regarding the High Court of Madras for Puducherry cases).
3. Operational and Transitional Provisions: - Adaptation of Laws: Empowers the appropriate Government to adapt existing laws for the name change.
• Judicial and Administrative Interpretation: Allows for the construal of laws and continuation of legal proceedings with the new name, including adjustments in jurisdiction references (e.g., High Court of Madras for Puducherry).
• Pending Proceedings: Automatically substitutes the new name in all ongoing legal matters.

Legislative History: The Pondicherry (Alteration of Name) Act, 2006

Source: India Code and Ministry of Home Affairs Official Records

Short Title The Pondicherry (Alteration of Name) Act, 2006

Act Number / Year Act No. 44 of 2006

Act ID (India Code) 200644

Presidential Assent Date September 13, 2006

Enforcement Date October 1, 2006

Nodal Ministry Ministry of Home Affairs

Precedent & Statutory Rationale

1. Cultural and Historical Restoration:

o Historically, the territory was known in ancient times as Puducherry. Over decades, local populations and political leadership sought to formally restore this traditional name.

2. Legislative Assembly Resolutions:

o The Legislative Assembly of Pondicherry passed an official resolution as early as October 15, 1980, urging the Government of India to enact legislation to alter the name.

o The proposal was reiterated multiple times by successive Councils of Ministers and Chief Ministers in 1996 and 1999 before being officially processed for parliamentary enactment.

Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment

• Formulation: Prepared and introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs to give statutory effect to the renaming proposal passed by the Union Territory's legislature.

• Parliamentary Passage: Tabled, debated, and passed by both Houses of Parliament during the monsoon session of 2006.

• Presidential Assent: Received formal Presidential Assent on September 13, 2006, entering the statute book as Act No. 44 of 2006.

• Enforcement: Enforced on October 1, 2006.