New Delhi: After a marathon hearing for 16 days, the Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its decision on the petition challenging the abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, of the Constitution. However, the court did not give any specific date for the verdict.
The case was being heard by a five-judge division bench consisting of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjeev Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant.
On August 05, 2019, the Central Government abolished Article 370 through amendments. The erstwhile state was divided into two Union Territories ( Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh). A lot of Politicians and scholars challenged the center move in the court. The case remained dormant for three years, with its last listing taking place in March 2022.
Lawyer Hasnain said – we are satisfied with the arguments
National Conference leader and petitioner in the Article 370 case in the Supreme Court, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi said that we are satisfied with the arguments made. Strong arguments were given on all aspects.
Akbar Lone gave an affidavit in the Supreme Court
National Conference MP Mohammad Akbar Lone was also among those challenging Article 370. Earlier, the top court asked Akbar Lone to file an affidavit, following which he assured that he has allegiance to the Constitution of India and that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.
A five-judge constitution bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud had said that we want Akbar Lone to unconditionally accept that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that he follows the Constitution and has allegiance to it.
Justice Chandrachud said that when Lone approached the apex court under Article 32 of the Constitution, he had to believe in the sovereignty of the nation.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Center, objected to the National Conference leader’s affidavit. Mehta had alleged that Lone had raised pro-Pakistan slogans in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2018.
Also Read: Is Parliament Empowered To Replace India with Bharat In Constitution?
