In a surprising decision, the Supreme Court has affirmed the constitutional validity of the government’s move to revoke Article 370, which granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. This historic verdict comes in response to a series of petitions challenging the 2019 decision that not only repealed Article 370 but also bifurcated the region into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
A five-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, delivered a unanimous decision, underscoring that Article 370 was indeed a temporary provision. Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized that the President possesses the authority to revoke this provision. The verdict addressed the petitions’ argument that the unilateral scrapping of Article 370 by the Centre violated the Jammu and Kashmir legislature’s authority after the Constituent Assembly’s dissolution in 1957.
In a significant directive, the Supreme Court has called for the swift restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and mandated the conduct of assembly elections by September 30, 2024. This move is seen as a crucial step towards reinstating normalcy and democratic governance in the region.
The political landscape has witnessed varied responses to the Supreme Court’s decision. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed it as a historic affirmation, asserting that the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi strengthened India’s unity and integrity. Meanwhile, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed disappointment but affirmed a continued struggle, emphasizing the need for a long-term commitment.
The Supreme Court opted not to rule on the validity of the President’s Rule imposed in Jammu and Kashmir in December 2018, stating that it was not explicitly challenged in the petitions. However, the court issued a caution against challenging every decision taken by the Union during the President’s Rule, emphasizing the potential for administrative chaos.
Amidst the legal and political drama, another unique story unfolds – that of billionaire Nicolas Puech, the heir to the Hermes luxury fashion house, reportedly planning to adopt his 51-year-old gardener and bequeath him an $11 billion fortune. This unconventional choice challenges conventional wealth distribution norms, adding a touch of intrigue to the broader narrative.
The Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370 marks a pivotal moment in India’s constitutional history. The decision not only reaffirms the government’s authority to revoke temporary provisions but also sets the stage for the region’s political and democratic future. As Jammu and Kashmir navigates this transformative period, the echoes of this legal landmark will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
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