J&K’s union territory status not permanent, Centre tells Supreme Court

In a major development that could reshape the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Government has informed the Supreme Court of the country that the Union Territory status of the region is not fixed in stone. This eye-opening declaration was conveyed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who announced plans to issue an in-depth statement on this contentious issue on August 31.

Responding to concerns about the restoration of electoral democracy in the former state, the central government was candid with the five-judge constitution bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. The bench is specifically examining pleas that challenge the dissolution of Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

“Union Territory status of Jammu and Kashmir is not a permanent thing. So far as Ladakh is concerned, its UT status is going to remain for some time,” Tushar Mehta asserted before the bench, also consisting of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant. The highly-anticipated statement on August 31 is expected to shed light on the long-term vision of the central government for both Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The court was forthright about the importance of democracy in the regions. “Democracy is important, although we agree that in view of the national security scenario, reorganization of the state can be done,” the bench stated. Nonetheless, the Supreme Court emphasized that the lack of electoral democracy could not be a continuous situation.

“This has to come to an end… give us a specific time frame as to when will you restore actual democracy. We want to record this,” the bench expressed, instructing Tushar Mehta and Attorney General R Venkataramani to consult with the political executive and report back to the court.

This emerging situation brings to the forefront the highly-contested issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s political status, Article 370, and its implications for electoral democracy. The upcoming comprehensive statement by the Central Government could serve as a milestone in the long-standing debate over these critical geopolitical matters.