Thu Oct 17 09:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Jammu and Kashmir Statehood: Plea for Urgent Restoration Filed in Supreme Court
**New Delhi, India** – A plea demanding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir within two months has been filed in the Supreme Court, seeking an urgent hearing. The application, filed by college teacher Zahoor Ahmed Bhat and activist Khurshaid Ahmad Malik, argues that the delay in restoring statehood contradicts previous assurances made by the central government and undermines India’s federal structure.
The application follows a recent Supreme Court ruling in December 2023, which upheld the government’s 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu & Kashmir. The ruling also directed the Election Commission to conduct elections to the J&K legislative assembly by September 30, 2024, and instructed the Centre to restore statehood “as soon as possible.”
The applicants contend that the ongoing Union Territory status is unwarranted, given the recently concluded peaceful assembly elections, and the lack of security concerns or violence-related obstacles. They argue that the non-restoration of statehood within a specific timeframe violates the principles of federalism enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The application, filed by Advocate Soyaib Qureshi, highlights the commitment of the National Conference (NC), which won the recent elections, to pursue the restoration of J&K’s statehood. The NC’s victory, along with the support from other parties, has brought a coalition to power, with Omar Abdullah being sworn in as the chief minister of the UT on Wednesday.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud has agreed to consider the request for an urgent listing of the plea. The Supreme Court’s response to this application will be closely watched by all stakeholders involved in the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
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