Object and Reasons.- On 8th June 1948, the Government of the French Republic in agreement with the Government of India, declared that "it intends to leave to the populations of the French Establishments in India themselves the right to pronounce their future fate and future status". In the referendum held on 19th June 1949, the citizens of Chandernagore voted in favour of merger of the territory with India. On 2nd May, 1950, the de facto administration of Chandernagore was transferred to the Government of India. On 2nd February 1951, the Treaty of Cession of the Territory of the French Town of Chandernagore was signed at Paris between the President of India and the French Republic. On 9th June 1952 Chandernagore was transferred de jute to the Government of India.2. On 27th October 1949, in a Press Note about the future cnu, of Chandemagore, the Government of India had declared:Any changes the administrative set up will be carried out only after consulting local public opinion.3. On 19th November 1953, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 (60 of 1952), the Central Government appointed a Commission consisting of Dr. Amamath Jha to inquire into and ascertain the wishes of the citizens of Chandemagore in regard to its future administration. The Commission submitted its report on 18th December 1953, recommending, inter alia, merger of Chandemagore with the State of West Bengal. After consideration of the report and consultation with the Government of the State of West Bengal the Government of India announced their decision in Parliament on the 8th May. This has been embodied in the present Bill which provides for the merger of Chandernagore with West Bengal and consequential changes.4. Under Article 3 of the Constitution, the Legislature of West Bengal has been consulted on this Bill and has given approval to both its provisions and its introduction in Parliament. The recommendation of the President has also been obtained - Gazette of India, Extra. 15-9-1954 Pt. II - Section 2, page 585.[29th September, 1954]An Act to provide for the merger of Chandernagore into the State of West Bengal and for matters connected therewith.BE it enacted by Parliament in the Fifth year of the Republic of India as follows:-
