Srinagar: The Supreme Court on Friday granted the central government six weeks to file its response on the plea seeking restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai heard submissions from both the petitioners and the Centre, acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue. The CJI observed that factors such as the recent terror attack in Pahalgam must be taken into account while considering the timeline for restoring statehood to the Union Territory.
Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan argued that Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood in 2019 and, despite the passage of several years and the conduct of elections, it has yet to be reinstated. “A significant amount of time has passed, and we are now in 2025,” he remarked.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, cited the complex ground realities, saying, “Not only water, but a great deal of blood has flowed since then.” He noted that elections were held peacefully and that consultations between the Union and UT governments were underway. He added that security concerns, including the recent Pahalgam incident, must be considered before any decision on statehood.
After hearing all arguments, the bench directed the Union government to submit its detailed reply within six weeks.
