Will SC grant statehood to Jammu and Kashmir? An important hearing will be held tomorrow

It should be noted that during the last hearing on August 14, the Supreme Court stated that the ground situation must be considered and incidents like the Pahalgam attack cannot be ignored.

Srinagar: The Supreme Court will hear tomorrow a petition seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

This petition was filed after the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Advocate Soyeb Qureshi stated that the matter is listed at serial number 17 before a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India, and the central government has not yet filed a response.

It should be noted that during the last hearing on August 14, the Supreme Court stated that the ground situation must be considered and incidents like the Pahalgam attack cannot be ignored.

The bench, comprising CJI Brian Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, stated that the ground realities must be taken into account; the incident in Pahalgam cannot be ignored.

Petitioners' Argument
The petitioners argue that the delay in restoring statehood violates the principle of federalism, which is part of the basic structure of the Constitution. He also stated that no deadline has been set for the restoration of statehood, nor has any action been taken, as per the Supreme Court's December 2023 directive.

Political and Economic Scenario
Recent assembly elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir, and a coalition government of the National Conference and the Congress was formed. However, this government still faces numerous challenges, including economic development and security concerns. The economic situation in Jammu and Kashmir is also concerning, with a lack of investment and a high unemployment rate.

The Role of the Supreme Court
All eyes are now on the Supreme Court's decision on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. This matter is crucial not only for the future of Jammu and Kashmir but also for the country's federal system.

Eye on the Hearing
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has repeatedly urged the central government to ensure the people of the state receive their rights. He stated that his government came to power by winning the people's votes in the assembly elections.

Now the central government must restore statehood as promised. The BJP government at the center responds by saying that in due course, Jammu and Kashmir will be granted statehood. They express hope that the Supreme Court will grant the state's residents the rights they are unable to secure from the central government.