Supreme Court Gives Centre Four Weeks to Respond on J&K Statehood
The Supreme Court has granted the central government four weeks to file its response to petitions seeking the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. During the hearing, the Centre cited ongoing security concerns, including the recent Pahalgam attack, as factors requiring consideration before a final decision is made. The court's directive follows its December 2023 verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370, where it had urged that statehood be restored at the earliest.
Unpacked:
Article 370 granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it its own constitution and decision-making powers. The Supreme Court upheld its abrogation in December 2023, stating it was within the constitutional powers of the government and citing national integration as a key goal, though critics argue it undermined regional autonomy and democratic processes.
The Centre cites ongoing militancy and recent attacks, like the Pahalgam incident, as reasons for caution. They argue that stability and law enforcement must be ensured before returning full state powers, reflecting concerns that premature restoration could risk public safety and governance in a region with a history of conflict[summary].
Petitioners include academician Zahoor Ahmad Bhat and activist Ahmad Malik, who argue that the Centre’s public commitment to restore statehood ‘at the earliest’ should be honored. They reference the Supreme Court’s 2023 verdict, which also urged timely restoration, and emphasize democratic rights and the region’s historical status.
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to respond within four weeks. While the 2023 verdict urged statehood ‘at the earliest’ and set a September 2024 deadline for assembly elections, the actual restoration depends on the Centre’s assessment of security and administrative readiness. No fixed timeline exists beyond the Court’s general direction, and consultations with local stakeholders are ongoing.