New Delhi: A plea has been submitted to the Supreme Court requesting the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood within two months. Filed by Zahoor Ahmed Bhat, a college teacher, and activist Khurshaid Ahmad Malik, the application emphasizes the need for immediate action to fulfill the commitment made by the Union of India regarding Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.
The application highlights that despite assurances made by the Solicitor General during the Article 370 case, no steps have been taken in the last 10 months since the Supreme Court's judgment on the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The plea, filed through advocate Soyaib Qureshi, points out that the delay in restoring statehood is affecting the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and is undermining the federal structure of the country. The applicants argue that the Supreme Court's directive from August 11, 2023, has not been followed, and the Union has yet to take concrete steps toward restoring statehood. They express concern that if the status is not reinstated soon, it will cause significant harm to the country's federal system and the democratic rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s residents.
The plea further contends that holding Legislative Assembly elections before restoring statehood could violate the principle of federalism, which is a core part of the Constitution's basic structure. It also notes that the recently concluded assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were conducted peacefully, suggesting that security concerns should not impede the restoration of statehood. The petition asserts that continuing the current Union Territory status diminishes the democratic governance of Jammu and Kashmir, which historically had a federal relationship with India. The applicants emphasize that delaying statehood restoration could prejudice the fundamental rights of Jammu and Kashmir's citizens and negatively impact its democratic framework and territorial integrity.
The plea concludes by stressing that restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is vital for ensuring autonomy, fostering the region's individual identity, and enabling its contribution to the nation's overall development.
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