The Constitution bench of the Supreme Court unanimously upholding abrogation of Article 370 has finally brought closure to the contentious debate over revoking the special status for Jammu & Kashmir. While the decision has naturally upset a large section of Kashmiris, most of them seem to have made peace that this was on expected lines. The elaborate ruling, given by the five-judge bench, comes as an endorsement of the policy for total integration of Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of the country by removing all political and constitutional impediments. While the NDA government can now justifiably feel vindicated by the apex court’s judgment, it can no longer delay the implementation of the twin promises it made in the past: restoring statehood and holding elections.
The court wanted restoration of statehood ‘as early as possible’ and directed the Election Commission to hold polls by September next year. Upholding the August 2019 order revoking the special status, the court held that it was not a sudden decision but the constitutional integration of J&K was an ongoing process over the years. The exercise of Article 370 (1) shows that the state had undergone gradual integration with the union since 1948. While the BJP is celebrating the court verdict, it should not forget that the real work starts now. The people of Kashmir will now look forward to fulfillment of promises made to them at the time of abrogation of this article. The government of India should first of all restore statehood and then start the process of conducting elections in the state. The real healing touch should start now.