J&K Statehood: Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Reply in Four Weeks

Srinagar, Oct 10: The Supreme Court on Friday granted the central government four weeks to file its response on petitions seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai heard submissions from both the petitioners and the Centre during the hearing. The CJI noted the sensitivity of the issue, saying that recent incidents, including the terror attack in Pahalgam, must be considered while determining the timeline for restoring statehood.

Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan argued that despite the revocation of J&K’s statehood in 2019 and the subsequent conduct of elections, the region’s full statehood had yet to be reinstated. “A significant amount of time has passed, and we are now in 2025,” he said.

Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized the complex security situation, remarking, “Not only water, but a great deal of blood has flowed since then.” He said the government was holding consultations between the Union and UT administrations and that recent security challenges needed careful consideration.

After hearing all sides, the court directed the Union government to submit its detailed reply within four weeks, setting the stage for further proceedings on the matter. (Agencies)