The Supreme Court of India has refused to grant an urgent hearing on the petition seeking restoration of statehood to Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, saying the case will be taken up on October 10. According to Kashmir Media Service, the counsel for the petitioners urged the apex court for early listing of a contempt petition related to the abrogation of Article 370, arguing that statehood was to be granted to Jammu and Kashmir as assured earlier. 

However, a bench headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai declined the request, saying the matter has already been scheduled for October 10. The CJI observed that the issue would have to be examined by a constitutional bench on a presidential reference and could not be taken up before the set date.Earlier, on August 14, the top court had directed the Indian government to file its reply within eight weeks on the statehood petition.

At that time, the bench remarked that the prevailing ground situation had to be considered while deciding the matter, citing the recent Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.The continued delay has deepened concerns among political observers who see New Delhi’s reluctance as a calculated move to prolong its direct control over the occupied territory in defiance of democratic principles and international commitments.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)