The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned the hearing of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of Article 35A that grants special rights and privileges to permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir. The bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud will hear the matter next on August 27, reported ANI.
Four petitions have challenged the legality of Article 35A on the grounds that it was never presented before Parliament and was implemented on the President’s orders in 1954. The pleas argued that the state became an “integral part of India” once it acceded to the Union, so there was no question of special status or treatment.
On Friday, the state government approached the Supreme Court, urging it to adjourn the hearing of the pleas, citing potential law-and-order problems. The National Conference filed an intervention plea in the top court on Friday, requesting that it be included as a respondent in the case while the state unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has also moved the court in support of the law.
The hearing was earlier adjourned in May.
Protests have erupted in the state in the last few days against the petitions. The National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party on Saturday held separate rallies in the state. A traders’ organisation also conducted a rally on Saturday. Separatist leaders observed a shutdown on Sunday that is likely to continue on Monday.
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!