Supreme Court Declines Early Hearing on J&K Statehood Petitions

New Delhi, Aug 25 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Monday declined to reschedule an early hearing for petitions advocating the return of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, affirming that the case will be reviewed on October 10.

Earlier on August 14, a bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai instructed the Centre to submit a response within eight weeks on a distinct petition calling for the restoration of statehood to the union territory.

A lawyer addressed the bench, which also includes Justice N V Anjaria, emphasizing, "I am requesting the early listing of a contempt petition concerning the abrogation of Article 370. Statehood was promised to Jammu and Kashmir."

The Chief Justice remarked, "It is already scheduled for October 10," as he declined the request to expedite the hearing.

Justice Gavai added, "We are currently engaged in handling a constitutional bench hearing related to the presidential reference on setting deadlines for governors and the president."

During an earlier session when the Centre's response was sought, the bench highlighted the significance of considering "ground realities" and mentioned, "You cannot ignore what has happened in Pahalgam," when an advocate pleaded for a swifter hearing.

Subsequently, on December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court upheld in unanimity the revocation of Article 370, previously conferring special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the court directed that assembly elections be conducted in the union territory by September 2024 and emphasized that statehood be reinstated "at the earliest."

The Supreme Court's verdict in December 2023 acknowledged that Article 370, integrated into the Indian Constitution in 1949, served as a temporary provision.

Last year, another petition was filed in the apex court, seeking directives from the Centre to restore statehood within a two-month timeframe.

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