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13.2.1951: NOTIFICATION TO STOP THE PRACTICE OF TOUTING, 1951

SIKKIM STATE

No. 530/50

In the simplest matters no one is required to explain cases which people may

have before the authorities. In higher level courts matters are necessarily more
specialised and the assistance of intermediaries, particularly if there is any difficulty,
may even be helpful. For this reason a certain number of Mukhtars have been

appointed for the Court of the Dewan and the Chief Judge. I shall be prepared to
consider appointing Mukhtars for Tahsildar’s courts if Tahsildar’s so desire, but they
must make out a strong case and also suggest competent persons of known

integrity.

Apart from Mukhtars there is a class of unauthorized intermediaries who are

known by the name of touts. Since these persons are not approved by the
authorities they move about in an obscure manner and it is notorious that they
generally succeed in misleading innocent people. The practice is universally

condemned and it is certainly not allowed in civilised countries. Unfortunately there
are signs that some touts have spring up in offices in Sikkim. One tout has succeeded

in acquiring such notoriety that he was even mentioned by name by a visiting
counsel from outside the State. This practice of touting must cease forthwith and
presiding officers and other authorities must not allow touts on the premises. Two

touts in Gangtok are well known, Brahaspati Parsain Bahun and Khung Dorji Lama.
These persons, and other; like them should not be permitted in the Secretariat

compound unless they have business of their own to press before the authorities.

Gangtok, Sikkim Sd/- J.S. Lall (ICS)

13.02.1951 Dewan, Sikkim State

164