Abrogation of Article 370 Verdict: SC Upholds Reorganization of Ladakh as ‘Union Territory’

The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the reorganization of Ladakh as a Union Territory (UT).

A constitution bench, led by CJI DY Chandrachud stated that the reorganization of Ladakh as a Union Territory is upheld, citing Article 3, which allows a portion of a State to be designated as a Union Territory (UT).

On December 11, the Supreme Court upheld the central government’s decision to revoke Article 370, which granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Subsequently, it asked the Union Government to expedite the process of restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

Additionally, the apex court directed the Election Commission to conduct elections for the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir, constituted under Section 14 of the Reorganisation Act, by September 30, 2024.

The bench which also comprised of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant, was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories.

During its second term on August 5, 2019, the Central government nullified Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, concurrently transforming the state into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

A total of 23 petitions challenging the removal of Article 370 were presented in the Supreme Court. Over a period of 16 consecutive days, a bench of five judges collectively heard these petitions, concluding on September 5. After 96 days, the Supreme Court finally delivered its verdict on December 11.