Article 370 Hearing: SC Orders Kashmir MP Who Raised Pro-Pakistan Slogans To File Affidavit Accepting India's Sovereignty

The Supreme Court has ordered National Conference MP Mohammad Akbar Lone to submit an affidavit affirming his allegiance to the Constitution of India and recognising Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of the country.

This decision by the apex court follows the strong objection raised by the Centre regarding Lone's alleged shouting of the slogan "Pakistan zindabad" in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2018.

Earlier today (5 September), the Centre demanded that Lone file an affidavit stating his allegiance to the Constitution of India and his opposition to terrorism by Pakistan.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, addressed a five-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud.

Mehta acknowledged the gravity of Lone's statement of "Pakistan zindabad" on the floor of the House.

Lone, a prominent petitioner, has filed petitions challenging the modifications made in article 370 of the Constitution.

The NGO Roots in Kashmir brought the matter before the court for consideration.

According to Mehta, the court should consider the perspective of who is advocating for the continuation of article 370.

He suggests that the person in question should submit an affidavit affirming his allegiance to the Constitution of India, as they are appearing before the highest court in the country.

Mehta emphasised that Lone, being an MP, is not an ordinary individual. Mere expressions of remorse are insufficient. He must explicitly state his opposition to terrorism and any secessionist activities by Pakistan, both in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere and this statement must be recorded.

The counsel representing Roots in Kashmir informed the bench, also consisting of Justices S K Kaul, Sanjeev Khanna, B R Gavai, and Surya Kant, that an additional affidavit has been filed, providing further details.

The counsel also highlighted that Lone has shown no remorse for his previous statements.

Another counsel pointed out that the parliamentarian has publicly affirmed his stance in the J-K Assembly, standing by his previous statements.

Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi argued that Lone should apologise. Dwivedi emphasised that if Lone is invoking the Constitution of India, he cannot stand outside of it.