Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the abrogation of Article 370 and said that it is a resounding declaration of hope, progress and unity for our sisters and brothers in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
PM Modi in his post on X said “Today’s Supreme Court verdict on the abrogation of Article 370 is historic and constitutionally upholds the decision taken by the Parliament of India on 5th August 2019; it is a resounding declaration of hope, progress and unity for our sisters and brothers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The Court, in its profound wisdom, has fortified the very essence of unity that we, as Indians, hold dear and cherish above all else.”
Today's Supreme Court verdict on the abrogation of Article 370 is historic and constitutionally upholds the decision taken by the Parliament of India on 5th August 2019; it is a resounding declaration of hope, progress and unity for our sisters and brothers in Jammu, Kashmir and…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2023
The PM further assured that the government is committed to the resilient people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh in fulfilling their dreams.
“I want to assure the resilient people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh that our commitment to fulfilling your dreams remains unwavering. We are determined to ensure that the fruits of progress not only reach you but also extend their benefits to the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of our society who suffered due to Article 370,” PM Modi said on X.
“The verdict today is not just a legal judgment; it is a beacon of hope, a promise of a brighter future and a testament to our collective resolve to build a stronger, more united India. #NayaJammuKashmir,” he added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the abrogation of Article 370 and said that today’s verdict has proved that the decision by the Government was completely constitutional.
In his post on X, Amit Shah said “I welcome the Supreme Court of India’s verdict upholding the decision to abolish #Article370. On the 5th of August 2019, PM Narendra Modi Ji took a visionary decision to abrogate #Article370. Since then peace and normalcy have returned to J&K. Growth and development have brought new meaning to human life in the valley once torn by violence. Prosperity in the tourism and agriculture sectors has raised the income levels of the residents of both Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.”
I welcome the Honorable Supreme Court of India's verdict upholding the decision to abolish #Article370.
On the 5th of August 2019, PM @narendramodi Ji took a visionary decision to abrogate #Article370. Since then peace and normalcy have returned to J&K. Growth and development…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 11, 2023
“Today, the Supreme Court’s verdict has proved that the decision to abrogate #Article370 was completely constitutional,” he added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had presented the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 in both houses.
After the abrogation of #Article370, the rights of the poor and deprived have been restored, and separatism and stone pelting are now things of the past. The entire region now echoes with melodious music and cultural tourism. The bonds of unity have strengthened, and integrity…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 11, 2023
While presenting the bill at that time, Amit Shah had said “Most members spoke on a technicality. Some said it was India’s promise, commitment etc. but no one said how Jammu and Kashmir or Ladakh is being benefited by Article 370. I want to say that Article 370 has harmed people of Jammu & Kashmir,” Shah said while responding to the discussion on scrapping Article 370 in Rajya Sabha.”
“Due to (articles) 370 and 35A, corruption increased and reached its pinnacle. We feel pain in seeing the underdeveloped status of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 prohibits the development of Jammu and Kashmir. This is the root of terrorism and Article 370 is anti-women, anti-Dalit and anti-development”, he added.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his disappointment with the verdict saying “Disappointed but not disheartened. The struggle will continue. It took the BJP decades to reach here. We are also prepared for the long haul.”
The Supreme Court on December 11, upheld the Union Government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 of the constitution which gave special status to Jammu & Kashmir and said that every decision taken by the Centre on behalf of a State can’t be subject to a legal challenge.
A five-judge Constitution bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant delivered the verdict.
CJI Chandrachud reading out the judgement said that every decision taken by the Centre on behalf of a State under proclamation can’t be subject to a legal challenge and it will lead to the administration of the State to a standstill.
Supreme Court said that it has held that Article 370 was a temporary provision. “The proclamation of Maharaja stated that the Constitution of India will supersede. With this, the para of Instrument of Accession ceases to exist…. Article 370 was an interim arrangement due to war conditions in the State. Textual reading also indicates that Article 370 is a temporary provision,” the Court said.
The Court also noted that Article 370 was meant for the constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union and it was not for disintegration and the President can declare that Article 370 ceases to exist.
“Concurrence of the State Government was not required to apply all provisions of the Constitution using Article 370(1)(d). So, the President of India taking the concurrence of the Union government was not malafide,” the Court noted.
The Supreme Court also directed the Election Commission to hold Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections by September 30, 2024. The Supreme Court said in view of Centre’s submission on restoration of statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, it directs that statehood shall be restored as soon as possible.
On August 5, 2019, the central government announced the revocation of the special status of Jammu & Kashmir granted under Article 370 and split the region into two union territories.
