Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Challenge to Abrogation of Article 370: Historic Decision Imminent
After a marathon 16-day hearing, the Supreme Court of India has reserved its verdict on a batch of pleas challenging the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution. Article 370 granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. A five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant, heard the final arguments of senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Gopal Subramanium, Rajeev Dhavan, Zaffar Shah, Dushyant Dave, and others.
In a significant step, the Supreme Court has allowed the lawyers representing the petitioners or respondents to file written submissions within the next three days. These written submissions should be limited to two pages. The top court’s decision to hear additional written arguments demonstrates its commitment to thoroughly reviewing all aspects before pronouncing a historic judgment.
Throughout the hearing, various eminent lawyers presented their arguments, including Attorney General R Venkataramani, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Harish Salve, Rakesh Dwivedi, and V Giri, who defended the abrogation of Article 370 on behalf of the government and intervenors. The discussions centered around the constitutional validity of the government’s decision on August 5, 2019, to revoke Article 370, as well as the validity of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, which led to the division of the former state into two Union Territories.
The lawyers also addressed other issues such as the challenges to the imposition of Governor’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir on June 20, 2018, and President’s rule on December 19, 2018, followed by its extension on July 3, 2019. The Supreme Court considered several petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act in 2019, leading to their referral to a Constitution bench.
As the nation eagerly awaits the Supreme Court’s verdict, the outcome of this case holds immense significance, not only for those involved directly but also for the future of Jammu and Kashmir. The decision will shape the destiny of the region and potentially redefine the constitutional framework governing it.
With the Supreme Court’s verdict imminent, all eyes are on the bench as it contemplates this monumental judgment. The nation awaits the court’s decision, which will undoubtedly impact the lives of millions and shape the future of Jammu and Kashmir. As the countdown begins, the country anticipates a historic ruling that will shape the course of Indian democracy and set a precedent for future constitutional challenges.
