When did Katchatheevu become part of SL?
In 1974,
Indira Gandhi handed over this island
through executive resolution to SL on the basis of two conditions:
- Indian fishermen should be allowed to dry their nets on the island.
- Permitting Indian fishermen to participate in St. Anthony religious festival.
HISTORY OF THE DISPUTE
SL’s Claim: Sri Lanka claimed sovereignty over Katchatheevu on the ground that the
Portuguese who had occupied the island during 1505 -1658 CE had exercised jurisdiction over the islet.
India’s Claim: India’s contention was that the erstwhile
Raja of Ramnad [Ramanathapuram] had possession of it as
part of his zamin.
Ownership of the island was controversial up until 1974 as
during the British rule, the island was
administered by both countries. India then recognized equal ownership with Sri Lanka.
The legality of the transfer was challenged in the Indian Supreme Court since the recognizing was not ratified by the Indian Parliament.
THE CENTRE’S STAND
In August 2013, the Union government told the Supreme Court that the
question of retrieval of Kachchatheevu from Sri Lanka did not arise as
no territory belonging to India was ceded to Sri Lanka.
It contended that the islet was a
matter of dispute between British India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and there was no agreed boundary, a matter of which was settled through 1974 and 1976 agreements.
In December 2022, the Centre, pointed out in its reply in the Rajya Sabha that Katchatheevu
“lies on the Sri Lankan side of the India Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line.”
It added that the matter was subjudice in the Supreme Court.
Test your understanding
Questions from this article
Prelims practiceWith reference to THE KATCHATHEEVU ISLAND CONTROVERSY, consider the following statements:
- When did Katchatheevu become part of SL?
- In 1974, Indira Gandhi handed over this island through executive resolution to SL on the basis of two conditions: Indian fishermen should be allowed to dry their nets on the island.
- Permitting Indian fishermen to participate in St.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
View answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. All three statements are drawn from the article.
Mains practiceDiscuss the background, key issues and significance of THE KATCHATHEEVU ISLAND CONTROVERSY for India.
Answer in 250 words.
View answer approach
- When did Katchatheevu become part of SL?
- HISTORY OF THE DISPUTE
- Background and context
- Key facts and institutional framework
- Significance and way forward
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Why is The Katchatheevu Island Controversy in the news?
When did Katchatheevu become part of SL? In 1974, Indira Gandhi handed over this island through executive resolution to SL on the basis of two conditions: Indian fishermen should be allowed to dry their nets on the island.
What are the key facts about The Katchatheevu Island Controversy?
Permitting Indian fishermen to participate in St. HISTORY OF THE DISPUTE SL’s Claim: Sri Lanka claimed sovereignty over Katchatheevu on the ground that the Portuguese who had occupied the island during 1505 -1658 CE had exercised jurisdiction over the islet. India’s Claim: India’s contention was that the erstwhile Raja of Ramnad [Ramanathapuram] had possession of it as part of his zamin.
Why is The Katchatheevu Island Controversy important for UPSC preparation?
The topic connects current developments with International Relations, Defence and is relevant for both objective revision and analytical answer writing.