Article 370 Verdict in Today’s Supreme Court Judgment: The apex court is delivering its verdict on a series of petitions challenging the revocation of Article 370 and the division of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories.
On December 11, the Supreme Court will announce its verdict on a set of petitions challenging the revocation of Article 370 and the division of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories. The Constitution bench, consisting of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant, will deliver its judgment on the petitions challenging the revocation of Article 370 and the division of the former state into two Union territories.
Prior to the verdict, Congress leader Ravinder Sharma expressed high expectations from the Apex Court. Sharma stated to ANI, “People are expecting a lot from the Supreme Court, and we believe that the SC will rightfully uphold the Constitution and the sentiments of the people.” He highlighted concerns about the removal of rights regarding land and jobs for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the division of the state into two Union territories, and the absence of elections for over five and a half years.
Meanwhile, Sunil Dimple, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference, anticipates that the decision today will be historically significant. Amit Raina, from the NGO Roots in Kashmir, is confident that the Court will not reinstate Article 370.
The apex court had reserved its judgment on September 5 after a 16-day hearing of arguments. The central government, represented by Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, defended its decision to revoke Article 370, asserting that there was no “constitutional fraud” in repealing the provision granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, argued that Article 370 had become permanent after the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. He contended that Parliament could not declare itself the legislature of J-K for the abrogation of Article 370, as Article 354 of the Constitution did not authorize such an exercise of power.
The Central government defended the abolition of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the changes had curbed street violence orchestrated by terrorists and secessionist networks. On August 5, 2019, the Central government announced the revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and the bifurcation of the region into two union territories.
