The recent Supreme Court judgment upholding the Centre's move regarding Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir has sparked varied reactions, with former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah expressing his reservations.
While acknowledging respect for the court's order, Mr. Abdullah hinted that the verdict might not be the final chapter on Article 370. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, he pointed out the previous stance of the Supreme Court regarding Article 370's permanence. He suggested that the future might hold more legal battles and unpredictable outcomes, leaving the door open for potential revisitation of the issue in court.
The Supreme Court's ruling, seen as a setback in Jammu and Kashmir, has triggered disappointment among those who had anticipated a different outcome. Figures like National Conference leader Omar Abdullah have vowed to continue their efforts in what they term as an ongoing struggle.
Former J&K Governor Karan Singh, in an interview with NDTV, characterized the judgment as not marking the dawn of a new era but rather a new chapter for the region.
The apex court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, backed the Centre's decision to revoke Article 370, deeming it a temporary provision intended to facilitate the state's integration into India. The bench highlighted that upon joining India, Jammu and Kashmir forfeited its sovereignty, with its constituent assembly ceasing to exist.
Additionally, the Supreme Court urged the Centre to expedite the restoration of statehood and conduct elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September next year, emphasizing the need to align the region with other states.
The context behind the scrapping of Article 370 dates back to August 2019 when Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated and stripped of its special status. This action occurred during a period of President's Rule following the collapse of the PDP-BJP alliance government.
The recent ruling by the Supreme Court has not only reignited discussions about Article 370's future but also brought forth renewed perspectives on the trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape.
