The Central government informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that it cannot provide an exact timeline for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. This revelation came during a hearing on pleas challenging the abrogation of Article 370, which led to the region’s reorganization into two union territories in 2019, IANS reported.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central government, stated before the Constitution Bench that the government is “progressively proceeding to make J&K a complete state.” However, he added, “I am unable to give the exact time period right now about the complete statehood, as per my instructions.”
Mehta further emphasized that the Central government is fully prepared for elections in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the voter list update has been substantially completed by the Election Commission. He clarified that the decision to call for elections would be made by the State Election Commission and the Election Commission of India.
This announcement followed the Constitution Bench’s request earlier this week for the Attorney General and Solicitor General to seek instructions from the Central government regarding a timeframe for the restoration of statehood to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, heading the bench, underlined that the previous state could not remain a “Union Territory in permanence” and stressed the importance of restoring democracy to the region.
The uncertainty surrounding the timeline for the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir has been a contentious issue, with various political parties and stakeholders expressing differing views on the matter. The Supreme Court’s continued oversight of the situation highlights the significance of resolving this issue and returning the region to its full statehood status.
