Altering status quo- Restoring popular rule in J&K and its statehood ought to be a priority

Source: The post is based on the article “Altering status quo- Restoring popular rule in J&K and its statehood ought to be a priority” published in The Hindu on 2nd September 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Indian Polity – issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure.

News: The article discusses the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir after its status was downgraded to a Union Territory, despite the government’s claim of improved conditions in the region.

What are the major issues with Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood?

State Downgrade: Jammu and Kashmir were downgraded from a state to a Union Territory 4 years ago.

No Restoration Timeline: The Centre has not provided a specific timeline for restoring J&K’s statehood.

Delay Questions: Past disturbances in J&K are being cited as reasons for the delay, raising concerns.

Constitutional Challenge: The manner of J&K’s status alteration is under scrutiny in the Supreme Court.

What does the centre say about Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood?

Temporary Status: The Centre states that the Union Territory status for J&K is temporary.

No Set Timeline: When questioned by the Supreme Court, the Centre, represented by the Solicitor-General, was unable to provide an exact timeline for the restoration of statehood.

Election Push: The Centre is in favor of holding panchayat, municipal elections, and Assembly polls in J&K.

What does the centre say about Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood?

Supreme Court Query: The Supreme Court Bench queried the Centre about a timeline for the return of Statehood.

Constitutional Challenge: J&K’s special status abrogation under Article 370 is under constitutional challenge in the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice’s Observation: Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud noted that post-2019 development work is not relevant to the constitutional challenge.

Focus of Hearing: The 14-day hearing by a Constitution Bench concentrated on the constitutional and historical issues tied to J&K’s status alteration.