Shruti Suman
Security has been heightened in Jammu and Kashmir in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the constitutional validity of the government’s decision to revoke ‘Article 370,’ which granted special status to the former state. In 2019, the Centre nullified this special status and reorganized the region into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The five-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, will deliver the verdict in response to various petitions challenging the government’s action four years ago. Following a 16-day-long hearing, the Supreme Court reserved its judgment on September 5.
The petitioners argue that Article 370 cannot be unilaterally abolished by the Centre, as the powers of the Constituent Assembly were transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir legislature after its dissolution in 1957.
Live updates on the Article 370 verdict indicate that the Supreme Court bench, under the leadership of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, is expected to convene in the courtroom shortly, with the counsels already present.
On December 11, 2023, at 10:24 AM (IST), senior advocate Kapil Sibal commented on the impending verdict, stating, “Some battles are fought to be lost. For history must record the uncomfortable facts for generations to know.”
Khushi Sikarwar
