In a historic verdict, the Supreme Court on Monday upheld the 2019 decision by the Centre to revoke the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. The court also announced a deadline of September 30 next year for the assembly elections in the region. Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir in the Indian Union, had restricted the Centre’s legislative powers concerning the state, allowing the state legislature to enact laws in all matters except finance, defence, foreign affairs, and communications.
The Supreme Court clarified that it would not rule on the validity of the presidential proclamations declaring President’s rule in the Union Territory, as the petitioners did not challenge them. The court noted that since President’s rule was lifted in October 2019, no material relief could be granted.
Key quotes from Supreme Court regarding Article 370 verdict include:
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant milestone in the constitutional history of Jammu and Kashmir, setting the stage for the region’s political future and paving the way for assembly elections by the end of September next year.