Central government is ready for elections in Jammu and Kashmir, timing to be decided by Election Commissions.
The Supreme Court is hearing the petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370. On 5 August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir lost its autonomous status, which was revoked by the Centre. A five-judge constitution bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Justice Sanjeev Khanna, Justice BR Gavai and Justice Suryakant will hear on all days except Monday and Friday. During previous hearings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that any change in Constitution that “brings everyone at par can never be faulted”.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared on behalf of the central government, said in the last hearing that the constitutional amendment to treat everyone equally in the country and bring them under one roof cannot be faulted. A ‘positive’ announcement on restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is likely by August 31 after the high-level meeting, he said. Meanwhile, the bench on Tuesday asked the Center for the first time to specify a time frame for restoration of electoral democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. In response, the Center told the court that it is ready to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir at any moment.