File Picture
The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing on the constitutional validity of the Article 35A relating to the special rights and privileges enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir, till January 2019.
The Centre and Jammu and Kashmir government referred to upcoming local body polls in state and seek adjournment of hearing on petitions against Article 35 A.
Any debate and discussion on Article 35 A has direct repercussions on law and order in the state, the j&K government told the apex court.
“Let the elections take place. We are told there is law and order problem,” the SC bench said.
The contentious issue has brought life in Kashmir to a standstill due to a complete shutdown in the state called by separatists.
The petition filed by an NGO claims that Article 35A is illegal as it was added to the Constitution without being presented before the Parliament.
Supreme Court lawyer Charu Wali Khanna, who has filed another petition challenging the said Article, claims it is also discriminatory against women.
Earlier, before the hearing came up in Supreme Court, the Kashmir valley shut down completely in response to a call by separatists against the legal challenge in the Supreme Court on the validity of Article 35A of the Constitution.
As a result shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed across the Valley while all kinds of transport remained off the roads due to the strike called.
Protests have been held across the length and breadth of Kashmir over the past month in support of continuing Article 35-A.
