SC issues notice to centre and prolongation to J&K govt

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Union government and sought a reply on a plea challenging the special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Jagdish Singh Khehar, issued a notice to the Central government on a petition filed by Vijay Lakshmi Jha. The petitioner claimed that Article 370, which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, has lapsed and urged to court to declare the separate constitution of the state as illegal.

SC gives 3 months to J&K govt to decide on minority status for non-Muslims in the state

The Supreme Court today gave three months to Jammu and Kashmir government to decide on a plea seeking minority status for non-Muslims in the state. A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Jagdish Singh Khehar, granted a last opportunity to the state government to file a reply within three months on a plea filed by Ankur Sharma, the Jammu-based lawyer. The apex court order came after the submission of the central government that it needed more time to hold consultations with the state government and other stakeholders.

The apex Court had asked the state government to constitute a committee to decide on the issue. The State government had submitted before the Apex court that the meeting couldn't be convened due to the prevailing law and order situation in the state. Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the government has been holding consultations at various levels and eight weeks more time be granted to it to apprise the court about their stand on the PIL. The petitioner is seeking the formation of a minority commission in the state and an extension of the National Minority Commissions Act to Jammu and Kashmir. (UNI)