The Supreme Court recently directed the Central government to submit its response within four weeks regarding a series of petitions calling for the restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. A bench, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, is actively reviewing these applications, which include those filed by academician Zahoor Ahmad Bhat and socio-political activist Ahmad Malik. These petitioners are pushing for the government to uphold its earlier promise to reinstate Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood “at the earliest”.
During the proceedings, the petitioners’ legal representatives reminded the court of the government’s commitment, which was formally acknowledged in the Supreme Court’s December 2023 judgment. This landmark ruling had upheld the abrogation of Article 370.
Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that consultations are actively ongoing with the Jammu and Kashmir administration concerning the restoration of statehood. He emphasized that this is a “sui generis” (unique) and complex issue, involving various broader considerations beyond the initial undertaking. Mr. Mehta also highlighted concerns about certain narratives that he claimed were “spreading a specific narrative and giving a grim picture” of the Union Territory.
It is noteworthy that on December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court had unanimously affirmed the revocation of Article 370, which previously granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. In the same verdict, the court had stipulated that assembly elections must be conducted in the union territory by September 2024 and that its statehood should be restored promptly. A separate plea was filed last year requesting the top court to direct the Centre to restore statehood within a two-month timeframe.