SC To Consider Referring Abrogation Of Article 370 To Larger Bench

New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to deliver its order on Monday, on whether it would refer a clutch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir on constitutional grounds. The Constitution Bench headed by Justice NV Ramana had heard the matter on January 23 challenging the constitutional validity of the Modi government's decision to scrap Article 370. The Bench reserved its order in the matter.

Petitioners challenging the scrapping of Article 370 include, Sajjad Lone of the People's Conference, NC's Akbar Lone, Justice Hasnain Masoodi, CPI (M) leader Yousuf Tarigami and former IAS officer Shah Faisal.

The apex court will decide whether the matter should be referred to a larger Constitutional bench. The 7 or 9 judge bench, if the Supreme Court decides to refer the matter to one, will hear the case and decide on the issue of Article 370 being an inalienable part of the Constitution.

The NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in August abrogated Article 370. The Centre divided the former state into 2 Union Territories--Jammu and Kashmir and Leh and Ladakh.

In its previous hearing the Supreme Court had asked for internet curbs in the valley to be lifted likening the right to internet use to a fundamental right.