SC gives GoI six weeks to respond on JK statehood timeline

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the government of India to respond within six weeks to a petition seeking a timeline for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, which was reorganised into a Union Territory in 2019, Bar and Bench reported.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran heard the matter, noting submissions by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that elections had been held peacefully in the Union Territory and that the government of India and state governments were in consultation regarding the restoration of statehood.

The Bench also referred to the April Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives, as a factor that must be considered before a final decision is taken.

The petitioners argued that the GoI had previously provided a solemn assurance to a Constitution Bench that statehood would be restored and that the delay was unjustified. Senior Advocates Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Menaka Guruswamy, and others emphasised that postponing statehood undermines constitutional principles and the federal structure, urging the court to enforce the earlier undertaking.

SG Mehta countered that the government’s consultations with the state and other developments must be considered, cautioning against taking reports of unrest at face value. He also opposed references to a five-judge Bench for the matter.

The petitioners maintained that at least a Parliamentary discussion or introduction of a Bill to restore statehood should be initiated, citing development delays and rising concerns, including reports of suicides in the region.

The Supreme Court’s interim order gives the GoI six weeks to file its detailed response.