Congress-led Punjab govt challenges Centre's move to extend BSF's jurisdiction

The Congress government in Punjab called the decision to increase the jurisdiction of BSF an attack on the federal structure of the country.

Punjab challenged the apex court against the Centre's move to give more powers to BSF under Article 131 of the Constitution.

The Centre has decided to extend BSF's jurisdiction in three border states of Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.

"The impact of the Centre's decision will be on 80 percent of the area of districts adjoining Pakistan... whereas the Constitution has placed the right to maintain law and order, and the police, in the 'state list'. This right has been given to the state government," the Punjab government said.

"But here, through this notification, the jurisdiction of the states has been encroached upon," it said.

The suit says that the central government did not consult the state before issuing its order.

A notice has been issued to the Centre via the Attorney General to tell the court the reasons behind the move.

 The Cenre must file the reply in 28 days after which the matter will be listed.

The Punjab government's suit has been welcomed by the ruling Congress' state chief, Navjot Sidhu.

"I congratulate Punjab and its legal team to be the 1st to approach the Hon'ble Supreme Court by filing an original suit challenging the notification extending the BSF jurisdiction," he tweeted.

"The fight to retain principles embodied in the Constitution, i.e. to retain the federal structure and autonomy of the states, has begun. Notice issued to the Centre to respond," he added.