SC Directs Centre To Restore J&K Statehood 'As Soon As Possible'; Also Asks EC To Conduct Assembly Polls By September 2024

The Supreme Court on Monday (11 December) directed the Central government to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir as soon as possible.

The apex court's direction came while delivering the verdict on the batch of petitions challenging Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, which removed the special status of J&K.

On the validity of the Jammu and Kashmir reorganisation, the Supreme Court said, "SG submits that statehood will be restored to Jammu and kashmir.. We do not find it necessary to determine whether the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 was invalid. This court is alive to security concerns," the Apex Court said.

"We direct that steps shall be taken by the Election Commission of India to conduct elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Jammu and Kashmir constituted under Section 14 of the Reorganisation Act by 30 September, 2024. Restoration of Statehood shall take place at the earliest, and as soon as possible," it added.