Ram Chandra Poudyal

Ram Chandra Poudyal (1944–2024), commonly known as R.C. Poudyal, was an Indian politician from the state of Sikkim. He has played an important role in the political scenario of the state, especially in the context of integration of Sikkim and subsequent constitutional and legal developments into the Indian Union . He was known for the founding and leading the Rising Sun Party (RSP), a political party active in the late 1980s.

Early life and education He completed his schooling at Sir Tashi Namgyal Academy in Gangtok, Sikkim. For higher education, he attended Scottish Church College in Kolkata, West Bengal, where he pursued his degree in law.

Political career

Legal battle Poudyal is known also for the landmark case of R.C. Poudyal vs. Union of India (1993), where he brought forward to question the reservation policies in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. He argued that the disproportionate reservation of seats for the Bhutia-Lepcha community was discriminatory and violated the principles of fair representation under the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court, however, upheld the reservations, emphasizing the unique historical and cultural context of Sikkim.

Death As per newspaper reports on 18 July 2024: his body was found floating in the teesta in Bangladesh on 16 July, Tuesday, nine days after he was reported missing from his hometown in Sikkim's chhota singtam. SIT is probing into this matter.

Electoral records State Council (Sikkim) election Year ConstituencyPolitical Party Result Position Votes % Votes % Margin Deposit Source 1974Loosing-Pachekhani - Sikkim Legislative Assembly election