The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned its verdict on Article 35A, granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir, by two months. The Attorney general of India, KK Venugopa, further sought six months time on behalf of the Centre.
A three-bench judge was hearing to the arguments on the Article relates to the special rights and privileges of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. It was added to the Constitution by a Presidential Order in 1954. It empowers the state's legislature to frame laws without attracting a challenge on grounds of violating the Right to Equality of people from other states or any other right under the Constitution.
The petition was filed by a Delhi-based NGO, We the Citizens, which wants the state-specific law repealed.
Kashmiri separatist leaders have warned of widespread protests if the Supreme Court rules in favour of the petitioners. They say the move to tinker with Article 35(A) is a conspiracy against Jammu and Kashmir.