SAHIL BHAT
OCT 10: The Supreme Court on Friday granted four weeks to Central Government to file its response on a batch of pleas seeking restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
A bench helmed by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran heard the plea filed for Statehood reinstatement to J&K.
It is learnt that academician Zahoor Ahmad Bhat and socio-political activist Ahmad Malik has made a strong pitch for implementation of the Centre’s assurance to restore Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir in stipulated time frame.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said talks are going on with the Jammu and Kashmir administration regarding the restoration of Statehood.
“This is a grave issue. Certainly, there was a solemn undertaking, but umpteen factors are required to take into account,” Mehta submitted.
The petitioners (Zahoor Ahmad Bhat and Ahmad Malik) said that Centre was required to fulfilled the promise at the earliest.
“Statehood was snatched in 2019 and we are now in 2025. Now, for the edification, enough water has flown under the bridge, and elections have also been held,” Sankaranarayanan appearing for the petitioners said.
The Apex Court listened to both sides, also referring to the Pahalgam terror attack in April, wherein 26 people lost lives.
“The decision will be taken after contemplating all the factors…see what happened in Pahalgam cannot be overlook,” CJI Gavai observed.
The former State was bifurcated into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh following the Nullification of Article 370 of the Constitution.
