The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024. The top court was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of provisions of Article 370, that gave the state a special status.
A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud consisted of Justices Gavai, Surya Kant, Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna. The bench had assembled at 10:56 am to pronounce the judgments.
"We direct that steps shall be taken by the Election Commission of India to conduct elections to the Jammu and Kashmir assembly by September 30. Restoration of statehood shall take place as soon as possible," said the CJI DY Chandrachud.
Supreme Court upholds abrogation of Article 370
The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the government's decision to abrogate Article 370, which bestowed special status on the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. CJI DY Chandrachud said that Article 370 of the Constitution was a temporary provision and the president has the power to revoke it.
The erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir does not have internal sovereignty different from other states of the country, he said. "The Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir was never intended to be permanent body," the CJI stated.
'Union Territory of Ladakh valid', says Supreme Court
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the decision to carve the Union Territory of Ladakh out of Jammu and Kashmir. "We uphold validity of decision to carve Union Territory of Ladakh out of Jammu and Kashmir," said the CJI.
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