New Delhi: On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, the Supreme Court of India heard a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution. Article 370 granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, including a separate constitution and a flag.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union government, assured the court that there was no intention to interfere with the special provisions applicable to the North Eastern states or other parts of India. He said that the government was committed to protecting the unique identities and cultures of all regions of the country.
Mehta specifically mentioned the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants special powers to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. He said that these provisions would be fully protected by the government.
The Solicitor General’s statement was welcomed by the petitioners and their lawyers. They said that it was a positive step and showed that the government was taking their concerns seriously.
The hearing on the Article 370 petitions is still ongoing. The Supreme Court is expected to give its verdict in the coming months.
In addition to the special provisions of the Sixth Schedule, the North Eastern states also enjoy a number of other special privileges, such as exemption from central sales tax and income tax on certain items. These privileges were granted to the states in recognition of their unique geographical and cultural features.
The assurance given by the Solicitor General is significant as it allays the fears of many people in the North East that the special provisions applicable to their region would be eroded. It also sends a message that the government is committed to respecting the diversity of India.