'Beacon of hope': Modi after SC upholds Article 370 abrogation
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court (SC) verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
While calling the judgment "historic," he said that the country's top court strengthened the "very essence of unity" that the people of India cherish above all else.
He also said it was a resounding declaration of "hope, progress, and unity" for the people of J&K and Ladakh.
Context
Why does this story matter?
To recall, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre revoked Article 370 in August 2019 and divided the erstwhile state into union territories of J&K and Ladakh.
However, many petitioners challenged the move. They claimed that Article 370 could not be scrapped unilaterally by the central government as the powers of the J&K Constituent Assembly were given to the state legislature after it was dissolved in 1957.
They argued the Parliament had no powers to make the decision.
Details
What Modi said on SC upholding Article 370 abrogation
On X, calling the people of J&K and Ladakh "resilient," PM Modi said, on behalf of the central government, he was assuring them "that our commitment to fulfilling your dreams remains unwavering."
"We (the government) are determined to ensure that the fruits of progress not only reach you but also extend their benefits to the most vulnerable and marginalized sections," he added.
He also said marginalized sections "suffered due to Article 370."
Twitter Post
You can read PM Modi's tweet on SC verdict here
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
More details
SC asks Centre to hold J&K elections by September 2024
Earlier on Monday, the country's apex court upheld Article 370's abrogation by the central government in 2019. Moreover, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud noted Article 370 was a temporary provision.
He also said the presidential order that led to the revocation of Article 370 as "valid."
Furthermore, the SC directed the Centre to restore J&K's statehood at the earliest and conduct assembly polls by September next year.
Know more
'Can't challenge every decision by Centre': SC says, flagging 'chaos'
Moreover, the SC reportedly warned concerned parties against challenging the decisions taken by the Centre "on behalf of the state (when president's rule is in effect) for day-to-day administration."
"When proclamation under Article 356 is implemented, countless decisions are taken by the Centre. Not every decision can be challenged," added the CJI while delivering the SC verdict.
"If challenges are allowed, it would lead to chaos," Chandrachud added.