Issued by India

Issued on Dec 31, 1999

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue this se-tenant on unity in diversity on the eve of the new millennium.

Design : This millennium issue symbolizes the unity in diversity of Indian culture and civilization with its respect for all religions. The stamp design portrays the 1000 year old Tabo monastery, and the FDC design portrays the Baha’i temple, Delhi.

Credits :
Stamp Design : R. N. Pasricha
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Se–tenant pair of 2 Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 & 1000 Paise

Overall size : 8.12 x 2.73 Cms.

Printing size : 7.77 x 2.38 Cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printed : 0.7 Million

Number per issue sheet : 16 Setenant

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• India is an ancient land with a civilization and culture, which date back thousands of years. Indian culture has always had a deep-rooted respect for the diverse cultural and religious identities which together created this civilization of ours. The concept of Indian nationhood is based on the existence in diversity of multiplicity of religion, languages, customs and beliefs – a composite culture.
• India has always welcomed people from all religions and all religions of the world have flourished in India. This se-tenant of two stamps symbolizes, the Indian tradition of unity in diversity and the concept of one people, one world – “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्” integral to Indian civilization. The se-tenant depicts the Tabo Monastery situated in the picturesque Lahul and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh. This monastery is more than 1000 years old. This monastery has nine halls where besides stucco images of The Buddha, there are wall paintings depicting Buddha‘s life and stories from the Jataka Tales. The first stamp depicts the monastery as it stands in Spiti over-shadowed by snow-clad mountains while the second is reconstruction of a painting from the southern wall of the main hall which forms part of the continuous painted frieze. The frieze consists of complex narrative units structured by the steps taken by the hero, Sudhana, on the path towards his goal of ultimate realization, and mostly relates Sudhana‘s visits to various spiritual friends (Kalyanamitra) in the pursuit of his quest. These units combine both paintings, some of which are identified by small insets, and adjacent frame inscriptional panels which contain the appropriate portions of the sutra text. In the painting depicted on the second part of the se-tenant, the hero of the story Sudhana stands before a lady in white who refers him to the brahmin Sivaragra seated on the elaborate seat in the centre of the painting. There Sudhana kneels before Sivaragra seeking his guidance. The paintings use various pictorial techniques in order to depict the movement which is an essential feature of the narrative: division of paintings into separate scenes, multiplying the hero, etc. In order to allude to more abstract content, various mudras have been employed which, however, often cannot be seen very clearly, and when clearly seen, are difficult to understand.
• The first day cover depicts the famous Baha’i temple rising to the sky in the form of a giant marble lotus, at New Delhi. The Millennium Issue pays tribute to the unity in diversity of Indian culture and civilization, with its respect for all religions.
• Text : A Short Guide To The Sudhana Frieze (published on the occasion of the Monastery’s Millennium) – Ernst Stein Kellnee.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 25, 1999

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative stamp on the ‘Yesu Krist Jayanti 2000’ celebrations.

Design : The stamp design portrays the theme ‘Towards a New Society’. The outer circle with the rays in pink symbolises the rising sun. The year 2000 brings a new dawn. The globe in green stands for the world which is filled with a new hope. The theme of universal peace, is symbolised by the hand of Christ in Upadesa Mudra posture.

Credits :
Stamp : Jyoti Sahi
FDC : Brendon Pereira
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 300 Paise

Overall size : 3.34 x 2.88 cms.

Printing size : 2.99 x 2.53 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printed : 3 Million

Number per issue sheet : 42

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Yeshua

Born on c. 6-4 BCE at Bethlehem, Herodian kingdom, Roman Empire [now in Israel]

Died on c. 30 CE at Jerusalem, Judaea, Roman Empire[now in Israel]

About : 

• The teachings of Jesus Christ are summarised in the Sermon on the Mount:
  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,
  Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
  Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”. (Mathew : 5, 3-10).
• Jesus Christ proclaimed as the Messiah was born in Bethlehem, presently in Palestine. Although the exact date of his birth is not clear, it is commonly accepted that present Christian calendar, which is universally followed, started with the birth of Jesus Christ. Through his teachings Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God. His preferred company was the poor, children, women and the disinherited. In order to extend his activity, he gathered around himself an itinerant band of disciples.
• Jesus ran up against the incomprehension of the crowds, the jealous suspicion of the religious leaders, the political astuteness of Herod Antipas, unyielding conflict with the Sadducees and Pharisaic authorities. He was arrested, probably by Roman troops, and the prefect Pilate, judged him to be an agitator who had disturbed public order by claiming to be the king of the Jews, condemning him to be crucified. Jesus died on the cross and was buried. When the Sabbath was over the disciples discovered his tomb was empty and went forth proclaiming that Jesus had risen and had appeared to them. Then, the history of Jesus gave way to the history of the Christian Church.
• During the course of last 2000 years, Christianity has spread to all the continents. The Catholic, Orthodox and the Protestant Churches administer the spiritual services of Christians all over the world. In the spirit of Christ’s message of love, the Church has taken upon herself to put into practice the teachings of Jesus by serving humanity in the fields of health and education. Christianity spread far and wide through the disciples of Jesus. It is believed that one of the twelve disciples St. Thomas came to South India in 52 AD and spread Christianity in India.
• The Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Churches are preparing for the global celebration of 2000 years jubilee of Christ’s birth, of which the ‘Yesu Krist Jayanti 2000’ forms part. The celebration signify liberation from various forces that imprison people in the world today, reconciliation and an opening to new beginnings. They also emphasise the need for an inter-religious dialogue to bring about universal peace.
• Text : Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 18, 1999

Design : The stamp and first day cover design are based on paintings by Vikram and Ankit, school children, depicting the child’s perception of what constitutes a happy family.

Credits :
Stamp : Vikram
FDC : Ankit
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 300 Paise

Overall size : 3.34 x 2.88 cms.

Printing size : 2.99 x 2.53 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printed : 1 Million

Number per issue sheet : 42

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• India is the largest functioning democracy in the world with the second largest population. On 2.4 percent of the world’s land area she supports 16 percent of its population. The population is increasing by about 17 million every year. Recognising that the planning of families would enhance individual health and welfare, the Government of India was the first in the world to initiate a comprehensive Family Planning Programme in 1951. In keeping with democratic traditions of the country, its education, health and family welfare programme, promote the concept of the small family, responsible and planned parenthood.
  
• At the time of India’s Independence, there were but few health facilities serving the rural poor. The past five decades have witnessed significant investments in developing a network of health centres all over India. Through this vast infrastructure of sub-centres, primary health centres and community health centres, the government has been playing the role of a facilitator by providing family planning services for the people to plan their families.
  
• In recognition of the strong support lent to the efforts of the Government by various individuals and organisations, the Department of Posts issues this commemorative stamp to acknowledge the yeoman service undertaken by the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). Today, the FPAI as it is popularly known, has 39 Branches, 20 Projects and 3 Area Projects spread across the length and breadth of the country.
  
• Ever since its establishment, FPAI had been in touch with similar organisations in Europe and America. In 1952, it organised the Third International Conference of Planned Parenthood in India at Mumbai. At this conference, the International Planned Parenthood Federation took shape with Hong Kong, Singapore, West Germany, UK, USA, Sweden, Holland and India as the founder members. The Mumbai Conference was a landmark in stressing the need to regulate the rapid growth of population for promoting national well-being and progress through voluntary Family Planning.
  
• As a leading national family planning NGO supporting the Government programme, FPAI has over the years created awareness of Population, Reproductive and Sexual Health, Youth Concerns, and Women’s Empowerment so as to widen its support and strengthen its base within the country. FPAI plays a catalytic role by mobilising other NGOs and assisting them in making Family Planning an integral part of their work. The recent formation of the national network of NGOs numbering over 2000 is carrying forward this activity. Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced a new Reproductive and Child Health Programme, following on its Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme and the target-free approach, and the paradigm shift generated by the International Conference and Population and Development in Cairo in 1994. FPAI too has responded enthusiastically to Reproductive Health needs providing the entire gamut of health services required in individual’s life cycle. It maintains high Quality of Service and has strengthened its Reproductive Health Service Delivery to make it more user-responsive. FPAI’s network of 189 clinics and mobile service units provide a range of high quality contraceptive services, including services for men.
  
• The ultimate objective of all activities undertaken by the Association is to help improve the quality life of all people.
  
• Text : Based on India 1998 (Publications Division, Government of India) and material furnished by sponsors.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 16, 1999

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue this commemorative stamp on the occasion of the 75^th anniversary of The Hindustan Times.

Design : The stamp and first day cover designs seek to immortalize historic events in the country’s history through coverage of headlines for the date.

Credits :
Stamp & First Day Cover : The Hindustan Times
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 1500 Paise

Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 cms.

Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printed : 1 Million

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• The Hindustan Times, one of the premier newspaper of the country, was started as an evening daily in Delhi in 1924. The first issue inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and carrying articles by Motilal Nehru, Muhammed Ali Jinnah and Jawaharlal Nehru was launched on September 24, 1924. In 1925, ownership of the newspaper passed on to Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya.
  
• Because of its patriotic leaning, the newspaper, many times came close to incurring the imperialist wrath of the British. In 1930, publication was closed in protest against the draconian anti-press law in the wake of the Salt Satyagraha. The following year, when the authorities ordered the press to blackout some of the fiery speeches of Jawaharlal Nehru, the Hindustan Times set up a make shift press and got a collection of those speeches printed and arranged the despatch of thousands of copies to all parts of the country. A confrontation with the British establishment ensued and the newspaper was forced to furnish huge securities to rein in its nationalist zeal.
  
• Just when bankruptcy appeared imminent, G.D. Birla, pioneer and visionary stepped in. He went on to nurture the newspaper into a great institution attracting the finest editorial and managerial talent. In an era when long editorials and text-of-speech reporting were in vogue, The Hindustan Times ventured into short editorials, reporting a wide range of events and carried news on the front page with bold headlines.
  
• The efforts of a succession of brilliant editors made it impossible for the British rulers and the educated elite to ignore it. The paper also became a nursery of varied journalistic talent.
  
• After independence, the newspaper extended full-fledged support for nation building and the government’s efforts for growth and development. Standing for democracy, free enterprise and liberal values, The Hindustan Times acquired a reputation for fairness among the readers. In the early seventies The Hindustan Times introduced a unique social experiment titled “our village Chhatera”. The project took over development activities of a village, such as the setting up of school, health clinic and income-generating activities. This display of social commitment earned kudos for the newspaper from both national and international institutions.
  
• Over the years, The Hindustan Times has adapted itself to the technological changes in the mass media. It has acquired modern printing equipment and achieved total computerisation of the process of printing and news gathering. With attractive colour pull-outs and informative feature pages embellishing the main paper, The Hindustan Times has succeeded in catering to the changing tastes of its readers.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 14, 1999

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to commemorate the centenary of Thermal Power in India by issuing this postage stamp.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : M/s Inter Publicity Private Limited
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Colour : Two Colour

Denomination : 300 Paise

Overall size : 3.911 x 2.895 cms.

Printing size : 3.561 x 2.545 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printed : 0.7 Million

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• Thermal Power generation, the major contributor to power availability in India, started with the commissioning of a 1 MW Thermal Power Plant at Calcutta in 1899 which was owned by the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation. Over the one hundred years, the total thermal power generation capacity of the country has witnessed tremendous growth and is today about 67,000 MW.
  
• Wish the commencement of National Five Year Plan in 1951, the State Electricity Boards under the provisions of the Electricity Supply Act, 1948 took up power development programmes. Apart from this, joint venture projects like the Damodar Valley Corporation and non-government utilities also joined the task of building a national power base. The thermal development during the first two decades after the commencement of the First Five Year Plan was aimed at providing quick availability of power for industrial development envisaged in the National Plan. The Government of India’s decision to utilise low grade coal for power generation ushered in the commencement of thermal generation through use of pulverised coal. The seventies saw thermal power development with generating capacities being added under different aid programmes of friendly countries. The individual units were of 50 to 80 MW sizes. Nationalisation of coal industry, indigenous manufacture of generating units and entry of Central Sector directly into power generation brought about a significant change in thermal generation scenario when generating units of higher capacities upto 500 MW were inducted in the power generating system.
  
• Technological improvements were introduced in management, operation & maintenance, control & instrumentation and other related aspects of thermal power generation during the period.
  
• With the increase in thermal generation, the concern for environmental safeguards is inevitable. Stringent environmental regulations have been introduced by the Central Pollution Control Board as well as the State Units for the protection of the environment from the emissions of the thermal power stations. Liberalisation of government control on power development programmes making it open to the non- government/private sectors has been another significant development.
  
• Thermal power generation is expected to dominate the power generation scenario of the country in the coming years also. The anticipated requirement of capacity addition during the next two decades is 10-12,000 MW every year. Nearly 75% of this may have to be through the thermal route. The resources needed for such massive development will have to come mainly from various sources within the country and abroad. There is also considerable scope for the non- government sector to exploit the opportunity offered in this scenario.
  
• Text : Based on material furnished by the sponsors.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 9, 1999

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue a set of stamps on these four distinguished sons of India.

Design : The first day cover design attempts to symbolise the spirit of the national movement in particular, the movement for social reform. The series pays homage to the contribution of A. Vaidyanatha Iyer, Indulal Kanaiyalal Yagnik, Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh and P. Kakkan.

Credits :
Stamp : Kamleshwar Singh
First Day Cover : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Two

Denomination : 300 Paise

Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 cms.

Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printed : 0.7 Million

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : P. Kakkan

Born on Jun 18, 1908 at Thumbaipatti, Melur, Madras Presidency, British India

Died on Dec 23, 1981 at Madras, India

About : 

• The Department of Posts issued a set of four stamps to pay homage to A. Vaidyanatha Iyer, Indulal Kanaiyalal Yagnik, Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh and P. Kakkan, who apart from playing prominent roles in the Freedom Struggle, also made significant contribution through their reformist efforts towards building of the nation in the post-independence years in crucial socio-economic and political spheres.
• P. Kakkan (1909-1981) was drawn during his schooldays to the freedom movement, inspired by Gandhiji. For his participation in the Quit-India movement he underwent imprisonment at Alipur jail. He spearheaded the movement for temple entry of Harijans at Madurai in 1939 along with A. Vaidyanatha Iyer. He served the Indian National Congress in various capacities at the Taluk, District, State and National levels. For nearly 15 years he served as a minister in the State of Tamil Nadu, holding different portfolios. His major contributions included construction of the Mettur and Vaigai reservoirs and establishment of two Agricultural Universities. He is also remembered for the formation of Harijan Seva Sangh in different parts of Tamil Nadu which are doing yeomen service even now. He was a member of the Constituent Assembly.
• Text : Based on material supplied by sponsors.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 9, 1999

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue a set of stamps on these four distinguished sons of India.

Design : The first day cover design attempts to symbolise the spirit of the national movement in particular, the movement for social reform. The series pays homage to the contribution of A. Vaidyanatha Iyer, Indulal Kanaiyalal Yagnik, Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh and P. Kakkan.

Credits :
Stamp : ISP Nashik
First Day Cover : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Two

Denomination : 300 Paise

Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 cms.

Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printed : 0.7 Million

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Panjabrao Shamrao Deshmukh

Born on Feb 22, 1892 at Nadiad, Kheda, Gujarat, India

Died on Jul 17, 1972 at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

About : 

• The Department of Posts issued a set of four stamps to pay homage to A. Vaidyanatha Iyer, Indulal Kanaiyalal Yagnik, Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh and P. Kakkan, who apart from playing prominent roles in the Freedom Struggle, also made significant contribution through their reformist efforts towards building of the nation in the post-independence years in crucial socio-economic and political spheres.
• Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh (1898-1965) contributed immensely to the emancipation of rural India, through pioneering reform in education, agriculture and social work. Dr. Deshmukh served as Minister for Agriculture, in the Union Government for ten years. During his lifetime he ceaselessly worked for the welfare and development of farmers. One of the most imaginative steps taken by him was the foundation of the “Bharat Krishak Samaj”, to champion the cause of farmers. During his lifetime he continued to be the President of this organisation. “Shri Shivaji Education Society”, which Dr. Deshmukh founded, has brought within the reach of poor students, the benefits of higher education. 1999 was celebrated as the birth centenary year of “Bhausaheb”, as Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh was affectionately known.
• Text : Based on material supplied by sponsors.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 9, 1999

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue a set of stamps on these four distinguished sons of India.

Design : The first day cover design attempts to symbolise the spirit of the national movement in particular, the movement for social reform. The series pays homage to the contribution of A. Vaidyanatha Iyer, Indulal Kanaiyalal Yagnik, Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh and P. Kakkan.

Credits :
Stamp : ISP Nashik based on material supplied by the Government of Gujarat
First Day Cover : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Two

Denomination : 300 Paise

Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 cms.

Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printed : 0.7 Million

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Indulal Kanaiyalal Yagnik

Born on Feb 22, 1892 at Nadiad, Kheda, Gujarat, India

Died on Jul 17, 1972 at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

About : 

• The Department of Posts issued a set of four stamps to pay homage to A. Vaidyanatha Iyer, Indulal Kanaiyalal Yagnik, Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh and P. Kakkan, who apart from playing prominent roles in the Freedom Struggle, also made significant contribution through their reformist efforts towards building of the nation in the post-independence years in crucial socio-economic and political spheres.
• Indulal Kanaiyalal Yagnik (1892-1972), freedom fighter and social reformer, worked assiduously to organise and spread the message of Swadeshi and non-cooperation movement. During the Kaira Satyagraha he played an active role, and along with Vallabhbhai Patel prepared a famine report of Gujarat. In 1919, be organised famine relief work and joined the campaign to oppose Rowlatt Act. Propagation of education, organising of farmer’s movements and development of the cooperative sector were issues close to his heart. He was a votary of the concept of a separate state of Gujarat, which later on became a reality. He also advocated industrial development of the country on modern lines. Since 1957, he continued to represent the Ahmedabad constituency in the Lok Sabha till his death in 1972.
• Text : Based on Dictionary of National Biography edited by S.P. Sen.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 9, 1999

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue a set of stamps on these four distinguished sons of India.

Design : The first day cover design attempts to symbolise the spirit of the national movement in particular, the movement for social reform. The series pays homage to the contribution of A. Vaidyanatha Iyer, Indulal Kanaiyalal Yagnik, Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh and P. Kakkan.

Credits :
Stamp : ISP Nashik
First Day Cover : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : One

Denomination : 300 Paise

Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 cms.

Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printed : 0.7 Million

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Vaidyanatha Iyer

Born on May 16, 1890 at Vishnampettai, Thanjavur, Madras Presidency, British India

Died on Feb 23, 1955

About : 

• The Department of Posts issued a set of four stamps to pay homage to A. Vaidyanatha Iyer, Indulal Kanaiyalal Yagnik, Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh and P. Kakkan, who apart from playing prominent roles in the Freedom Struggle, also made significant contribution through their reformist efforts towards building of the nation in the post-independence years in crucial socio-economic and political spheres.
• A. Vaidyanatha Iyer (1890-1955) threw himself in to the Freedom Struggle in 1922, influenced by Gandhiji. Playing active part in the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha of 1930, Quit India Movement of 1942 and many other movements, he had to spend many years in jail. He tirelessly campaigned for the development of Khadi and Village industries, prohibition, women’s welfare and removal of untouchability. In 1939, he led a group of representatives of the depressed classes who were traditionally denied entry inside temples into the famous Meenakshi temple of Madurai for offering prayers. This was an epoch making event which triggered immediate legislation for the temple-entry of Harijans. Gandhiji wrote in the “Harijan” in July, 1939 “…..a great event in the campaign against untouchability……. Shri Vaidyanatha Iyer and his co-workers deserve all praise for the ceaseless effort they have put forth in educating the public”. He led a simple and austere life and never aspired for any power or post.
• Text : Based on material supplied by sponsors.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 26, 1999

Issued for : A proper functioning of the Supreme Court is of vital public importance. The Rule of Law, fundamental rights of the people and a proper functioning of the various constitutional authorities depend on it. The completion of fifty years of the Supreme Court is thus a special occasion for the citizens of this constitutional democracy and the Department of Posts is proud to associate itself with the event through the issue of this stamp.

Credits :
Stamp, FDC & Cancellation : Shubhra Verma Bhatnagar

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 300 Paise

Overall size : 4.06 x 2.73 cms.

Printing size : 3.71 x 2.38 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported unwatermarked Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printed : 0.7 Million

Number per issue sheet : 40

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• After independence, when the new Constitution of India came into force, Article 124 provided for the establishment of the Supreme Court of India as the highest Court of the land. On 28^th January, 1950, the Supreme Court of India was inaugurated in the Court House, New Delhi. Today the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court is 26 Judges, with the seniormost Judge as the Chief Justice.
• The Supreme Court of India enjoys various types of jurisdictions, and is considered one of the most powerful courts in the world. The Supreme Court, as the highest constitutional court of the land, is entrusted with the power of judicial review. It can examine legislation by Parliament or by other State Legislatures as well as executive action to ensure that the legislation is within the legislative competence of the concerned legislature and to ensure that the principles of natural justice are not violated by the executive while arriving at its decisions and that a decision which is challenged, is not arrived at mala fide or in an arbitrary manner.
• It is the highest Appellate Court of the land. An appeal lies to the Supreme Court from any judgement, decree or final order of a High Court, whether in a civil, criminal or other proceeding, if the High Court certifies that the case involves a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution. In addition, the Supreme Court also has, under Article 136 the right to grant special leave to appeal from any judgement, decree, determination, sentence or order in any case or matter by any court or tribunal in the territory of India. The Supreme Court also has Original Jurisdiction in disputes between the Government of India and any one or more States. The Supreme Court has Advisory Jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution. If, at any time, it appears to the President of India that a question of law or fact has arisen, which is of such public importance that it is necessary to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court, he may refer such a question to the Supreme Court for its opinion. The Advisory Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, though not binding, is meant for enabling the Government to obtain an authoritative legal opinion on a matter of public importance. The Supreme Court also has the power to review its own judgments and orders.
• The most important power of the Supreme Court, however, is the power to issue writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari for the enforcement of the fundamental rights granted under Part III of the constitution. The right to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights is itself a fundamental right.
• The Supreme Court has also opened new avenues of access to justice for those who were not earlier in a position to move the Court because they suffered from various handicaps such as poverty, lack of adequate knowledge of the law and its procedures, and other disabilities. The Court has now evolved what has come to be known as “public interest litigation” which enables a third party to move the Supreme Court on behalf of such persons for obtaining a redressal of their grievances. In the exercise of such jurisdiction issues of national importance like environmental protection and human rights violations have come before the Supreme Court.
• Altogether, a heavy responsibility has been placed upon the Supreme Court under the Constitution. It receives annually about 35,000 cases for consideration. Yet today, the Supreme Court has only 20600 (approx) pending cases. This was achieved through computerisation, classification of cases and proper court management of the case-load.
• Text : Based on material supplied by the Supreme Court of India.

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