The Supreme Court on Monday said it cannot ask the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to pass a legislation to set up a minority commission in the state, Live Law reported. Instead, the court said the Centre will discuss the subject.
“How can we ask or direct the state legislature to legislate in a particular manner?” Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra told the petitioner, Jammu-based lawyer Ankur Sharma. “The Centre says they will deliberate on it and get back to this court.”
The Supreme Court bench then adjourned the hearing for eight weeks, ANI reported.
On May 1, the government had told the Supreme Court that a high-level committee of senior officials of the state and central governments had been formed to consider setting up a minority commission for Jammu and Kashmir.
On August 8, the Supreme Court had criticised a state government affidavit, which said its officials were unable to find time to discuss the subject with the Centre. The bench gave the state and Centre three more months to make a decision.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!