The Supreme Court is set to deliver its historic judgment on the batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. This article, which accorded special status to the erstwhile state, was revoked by the central government on August 5, 2019.
There is a sense of anticipation and anxiety in Jammu and Kashmir, as the decision will have far-reaching consequences for the region. Both proponents and opponents of the abrogation have expressed their confidence in the outcome.
Sunil Dimple, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference, believes that the decision will be written in golden letters. He said, “The people of J-K are eagerly waiting for this decision today that they will get justice. The unconstitutional act that happened on August 5, 2019, will be reserved today.”
However, Amit Raina, of the NGO Roots in Kashmir, expressed his confidence that the Court will not bring back Article 370. He said, “This is an article that violates fundamental rights, violates the right to equality, and discriminates against minorities. So the court today will consider the Constitution supreme.”
Security has been heightened in Srinagar ahead of the verdict. A five-judge constitution bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant will pass the judgment today.
The central government had defended its decision to abrogate Article 370, saying there was no “constitutional fraud” in repealing the provision. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing on behalf of the petitioners, had argued that Article 370 had become a permanent feature of the Constitution after the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Supreme Court’s decision will have a significant impact on the future of Jammu and Kashmir. It remains to be seen whether the Court will uphold the abrogation or restore Article 370.
