Srinagar, July 11, KDC: In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India today conducted hearings on the Article 370 cases, with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) making a crucial statement regarding the constitutional significance of the affidavit submitted by the Government of India. The CJI stated that the affidavit would have no bearing on the constitutional aspect of the matter, endorsing the viewpoint put forth by political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Prominent political figures from J&K, including JKNC Vice President Omar Abdullah, JKPDP President Mehbooba Mufti and JKPC President Sajad Gani Lone had urged the court to assess the abrogation of Article 370 from a legal standpoint rather than a political one, as was presented in the government’s affidavit.
Omar Abdullah while reacting to the GoI affidavit had said that it was loaded with political arguments the BJP/Union Govt can make to sell their decision to the voter but they are not legal arguments. Mehbooba Mufti also endorsed Abdullah’s statement and said that the Centre’s defence lacks logic to back its decision of the illegal & unconstitutional abrogation of Article 370. While Sajad Gani Lone termed Article 370 cases as one of the biggest challenges facing the institution of judiciary and stressed the importance of the judiciary focusing on the legal aspects of the Article 370 abrogation rather than getting entangled in perceived political or law and order implications.
Lone’s viewpoint was effectively endorsed by the Chief Justice of India in the court, highlighting that the government’s affidavit had no constitutional bearing on the matter and the case will be decided solely from a legal standpoint.
As the hearings progress, it is anticipated that the Supreme Court will continue to prioritize the legal aspects surrounding the abrogation of Article 370, setting the stage for a fair and impartial examination of the matter. (KDC)
