Rashtriya Bajrang Dal and BJP in Jammu and Kashmir jubilantly marked the top court's verdict, celebrating alongside their activists by sharing sweets.
Post the court's verdict, the once-deserted streets of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a sudden bustle as residents emerged from their homes. This led to heightened security measures, particularly in sensitive areas of the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Supreme Court's decision as a sign of hope and progress for the people of J&K and Ladakh, interpreting the ruling as a unifying declaration for the regions.
The verdict, delivered by a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, validated the Centre's decision to bifurcate the state into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, on August 5, 2019.
Chief Justice Chandrachud highlighted the temporary nature of Article 370 and asserted the President's authority to revoke it in the absence of the Constituent Assembly of the erstwhile state.
The court directed the Election Commission to facilitate elections to the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024, while advocating the early restoration of statehood.
Despite diverse reactions among political leaders like National Conference's Omar Abdullah and DPAP's Ghulam Nabi Azad expressing disappointment, they reaffirmed their commitment to continue the struggle, accepting the verdict's outcome.
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