On Tuesday, the central government informed the apex court that it will restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and that Ladakh would continue to be a Union Territory.
The Supreme Court also sought a time-frame to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.
A five-judge constitutional bench, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the scrapping of Article 370.
The apex court holds daily hearings on the arguments between the Government of India and the petitioners, who make a case for restoring Kashmir’s autonomy.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territory is a “temporary measure.”
“I have implemented instructions. The instructions are that the Union Territory is not a permanent feature. But I will make a positive statement the day after tomorrow. Ladakh will remain a Union Territory,” SG Mehta said.
The 5 judges retorted with a question: "How temporary is this? And when will elections be held in Jammu and Kashmir?"
Meanwhile, on Monday, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud stated that Article 35A of the Indian Constitution, which was scrapped in 2019, "took away fundamental rights".