The Supreme Court has upheld the Centre’s decision to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The unanimous 5-0 ruling has drawn disappointed reactions from political leaders, particularly from the National Conference. National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah expressed his disappointment, stating that the struggle would continue despite the judgement. He emphasized their preparedness for a long fight and reflected on the possibility of seeking further legal recourse.
This decision follows the court’s ruling on three key issues related to the petitions. The Supreme Court held that J&K did not retain any element of sovereignty after its accession to India in 1947. It underscored that although Maharaja Hari Singh initially announced he would retain his sovereignty, his successor, Karan Singh, proclaimed that the Indian Constitution would prevail over all other laws in the state.
Omar Abdullah, reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision, affirmed that the struggle to restore Article 370 would continue. He emphasized the prolonged commitment of the National Conference to this cause. His remarks highlighted the restrictive actions reportedly taken by authorities against him and his party members, claiming that they were barred from freely expressing their reactions and that he was put under house arrest.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has set the stage for continued political and legal battles over the abrogation of Article 370. The disappointment expressed by political leaders, particularly the National Conference, indicates that the fight for recognition and restoration of the special status for Jammu and Kashmir is far from over. The implications of this judgement are likely to reverberate in the region’s political landscape, with potential avenues remaining for further legal challenges and political resistance to the abrogation.
