The former Governor NN Vohra had sought deferment of hearing on the sensitive issue and was averse to its hearing during Governor’s rule.
Srinagar, August 27:
Jammu & Kashmir Government plans to defend the Article 35A on the next date of hearing in the Supreme Court, local news agency reported here on Sunday.
“There would be apparently no change in the government’s stand on the petitions filed to challenge the Article 35A on the next date of hearing,” Secretary Law & Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul MajeedBhat said.
Bhat said the government will fully defend the Article 35 A and one more counsel Tushar Mehta engaged recently will also appear to defend the all-important constitutional provision on the next date of hearing.
The Law Secretary’s statement to defend the constitutional provision comes at a time when new Governor Satya Pal Malik has taken over the reins of the state.
The former Governor NN Vohra had sought deferment of hearing on the sensitive issue and was averse to its hearing during Governor’s rule.
The petitions challenging the constitutional provision are likely to come up for hearing on August 31.
Bhat said that all the counsels engaged by the government before the imposition of the governor’s rule in the state will also continue to defend the government in this case.
“A detailed report to defend the case is in the process of finalization and it would be ready for placement before the Supreme Court, if needed, on the next date of hearing,” he said.
Advocate General D C Raina told the news agency that the government will defend the Article 35A on the next date of hearing.
To a question about the possibility of any change in the government stand, Raina said: “Obviously there is no change in the government stand on this case. I too have not received any fresh instructions from the government over its stand in the case.”
Article 35A of the constitution of India protects J&K’s state subject laws and also the special rights and privileges of its permanent residents.
Since 2014, a bunch of petitions has been filed in the Apex Court challenging the constitutional provision.
Courtesy: Greater Kashmir
