New Delhi, August 29th – The Center apprised the Supreme Court on Tuesday that the status of Jammu and Kashmir as a union territory is not a “permanent fixture.” It disclosed its intention to present a comprehensive statement regarding this complex political matter before the court on August 31st.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, speaking on behalf of the central government, relayed this response to the court. The five-judge constitution bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, is presiding over the proceedings related to petitions challenging the revocation of Article 370. The bench urged the government to outline a specific timeline for the restoration of electoral democracy in the former state.
Mehta remarked, “The union territory status of Jammu and Kashmir is not a permanent arrangement. In the case of Ladakh, its union territory status will persist for a certain duration.” He confirmed that a comprehensive statement regarding the future of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh’s union territory status will be presented before the bench, which also comprises Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant, on August 31st.
During the hearing, as Mehta defended the government’s decision to eliminate the special status of the former state and reorganize it, the bench emphasized the importance of democracy. The bench acknowledged that while national security considerations can justify state reorganization, the absence of electoral democracy cannot continue indefinitely.
“This situation must conclude… provide us with a specific timeframe for the restoration of genuine democracy. We wish to officially record this,” stated the bench. It urged Mehta and Attorney General R Venkataramani to consult with the political executive, gather necessary instructions, and report back to the court.
