The Supreme Court will hear the petition to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir on August 8. The Center revoked the state's special status on August 5, 2019. Congress is opposing this.
Jammu-Kashmir: The Supreme Court will now hear on August 8 a petition filed seeking the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan brought the matter before Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and urged that it be listed. The court has accepted this request and confirmed the hearing.
Historical Decision of August 5, 2019
On August 5, 2019, the Central Government took a historic decision, ending the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir. Along with this, the state was divided into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Under this decision, Article 370 was revoked, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir.
What the Supreme Court Said Earlier
In December 2023, the Constitution Bench upheld the decision to end the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the Supreme Court did not give any explicit directions regarding the restoration of statehood at that time. The court reserved its decision in view of the assurance by the Central Government that statehood would be restored soon.
What is the Purpose of the Petition?
The latest petition has been filed as a miscellaneous application related to the decision concerning Article 370 of the Constitution. In it, the Supreme Court has been urged to direct the Central Government to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. This issue is also related to the validity of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, under which the state was divided.
Stir in Political Circles
Before this hearing, there is also a stir in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress party has announced that August 5 will be observed as a "Black Day." The party says that this day was an attack on the Constitution, democracy, and federal structure. Congress will hold a sit-in demonstration demanding the restoration of statehood.
Congress Receives Support
Congress has received the support of the "All Party United Morcha" in this protest. This front has been formed with the objective of restoring statehood. Various parties and social organisations have supported this move, accusing the Central Government of violating constitutional rights.
