SC verdict on petitions against abrogation of Article 370 today

Today (Monday), the Supreme Court of India is set to deliver its judgment on a series of petitions challenging the central government's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by scrapping Article 370 in 2019. The constitutional bench of five members, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has conducted extensive hearings on separate petitions. The verdict, which had been reserved since September 5 of this year, is expected to be released today, according to the Supreme Court website. On August 5, 2019, the central government annulled Article 370 and bifurcated the state into two union territories. This move was fiercely opposed by local political parties, who have subsequently filed petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the Centre's decision.

In the context of the impending crucial verdict, the administrative machinery in Kashmir has undertaken stringent security measures. Over the past two weeks, police have been reviewing security arrangements in ten districts of the Kashmir valley. Some leaders have been taken into custody, while others have been placed under house arrest. Local senior police officials have made it clear that actions will be carried out against those who incite the public. Local political parties are anxiously waiting for today's verdict, and if the decision reaffirms the repeal of Article 370, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has mentioned that his party will not obstruct peace and security. The BJP has stated that no one should politicize the verdict and that it should be respected by all. It is also known that parties in Jammu and Kashmir have formed the Gupkar Alliance to oppose the annulment of Article 370.