Article 370: SC to hear pleas challenging abrogation from October 1

In a major development almost two months after the abrogation of Article 370, the Supreme Court on Saturday stated that a five-judge constitution bench will from October 1 commence hearing in the petitions challenging the government's move in Jammu and Kashmir. The bench will be headed by Justice NV Ramana, consisting of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, R Subhash Reddy, BR Gavai and Surya Kant. 

Earlier on August 10, former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah-led National Conference had also moved the Supreme Court challenging the revoking of Article 370 that gave special status to the erstwhile state. A petition was filed in the top court by NC leaders Mohd Akbar Lone and Hasnain Masoodichallenging the government's move.

READ | Jaishankar: Kashmir was in mess before abrogation of Article 370

Pleas challenging abrogation of Article 370

Earlier, the Supreme Court heard the plea challenging abrogation of provisions of Article 370. A bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi, consisting of SA Bobde and S Abdul Nazeer heard a bunch of petitions including one filed by former J&K CM and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad seeking permission to visit his family members and relatives. Furthermore, a plea has been filed by Rajya Sabha MP and MDMK founder Vaiko, seeking directions to Centre and Jammu and Kashmir government to produce NC veteran Farooq Abdullah, who was allegedly detained during the government's move to revoke special status of J&K.

READ | J&K: Omar Abdullah's NC moves Supreme Court challenging President's order on Article 370

India revokes J&K's special status

On August 5, the government of India revoked the special status to Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Article 370. This move by the government integrated the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into India, entrusting Indian Constitution to it. Furthermore, the government announced the division of Jammu and Kashmir "state" into two union territories - J&K and Ladakh. While a large section of the society has extended support and hailed the government for the move, there is a certain section that has questioned the timing of the decision.

READ | UNAMBIGUOUS: Howdy Modi's standing applause for Article 370 abrogation

PM Modi on abrogation of Article 370

Recently, in his speech at the 'Howdy, Modi!' event in Houston, Texas, PM Modi presented a thunderous standing ovation from the audience for Indian Parliamentarians, who allowed the passage for the abrogation of Article 370. In his speech, he asserted that Article 370 kept the people of the Jammu and Kashmir isolated from the developmental schemes and equal rights as provided by the Indian government. He maintained that now newly-formed UTs of J&K and Ladakh will have the rights enjoyed by the rest of India.

READ | J&K Govt informs citizens about benefits of abrogation of Article 370