In a significant move, Supreme Court has upheld the validity of Centre’s decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution of India, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre in 2019 scrapped Article 370 and split the state into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The verdict from a five-judge Constitution bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud comes in response to a bunch of petitions challenging the Centre’s move to abrogate Article 370 four years ago.
The apex court said Article 370 was a temporary provision brought for some specific purposes and there is no mala-fide in President’s order abrogating it. Supreme Court said, Jammu and Kashmir did not enjoy any sovereignty after it joined the Union of India. The apex Court said Jammu and Kashmir does not have internal sovereignty different from other states.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the Supreme Court verdict on the abrogation of Article 370 is historic and constitutionally upholds the decision taken by Parliament on 5th August 2019. In a social media post, Mr Modi said it is a resounding declaration of hope, progress and unity for the people in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. He added that the Court, in its profound wisdom, has fortified the very essence of unity that Indians hold dear and cherish above all else.
He assured the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh that government’s commitment to fulfilling their dreams remains unwavering. He further stated that government is determined to ensure that the fruits of progress not only reach the people but also extend their benefits to the most vulnerable and marginalized sections of society who suffered due to Article 370.
Prime Minister said the verdict today is not just a legal judgment, but a beacon of hope, a promise of a brighter future and a testament to the collective resolve to build a stronger, and more united India.
