New Delhi: After the petitioners presented their concluding arguments against the revocation of Article 370 in the Supreme Court on August 23, regional leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, expressed their optimism and satisfaction regarding the proceedings. As the hearing continues, the apex court is now preparing to consider arguments in favour of the Union government starting today.
On Wednesday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta clarified to the Supreme Court that the Union Government has no intentions of interfering with the provisions granted to the Eastern states or any other regions within India. This clarification was made in response to concerns raised by lawyer Manish Tewari about the consequences of abrogating Article 370 on these states.
Previously, Chief Justice D.Y Chandrachud’s Constitution Bench dismissed claims that Article 370 became obsolete after Jammu and Kashmir’s constituent assembly concluded its work in 1957 by establishing its constitution. The historic decision made by the Central Government on August 5 2019, not only revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. It also divided it into two separate Union Territories. This significant move marked a shift as it ended Jammu and Kashmir’s unique status.
Afterwards, numerous petitions arose that contested the revocation of Article 370 provisions and the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act in 2019. These petitions were then referred to a Constitution Bench for review.