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The Supreme Court has directed the Central government to respond within six weeks to a petition seeking a definite timeline for the restoration of statehood to Jammu & Kashmir, which was reduced to a Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The direction was issued by a bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, following submissions that the Centre had given a solemn undertaking to reinstate statehood during earlier hearings.

During proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta cited security incidents and ongoing development as factors affecting the government’s decision, assuring that consultations between the Centre and the elected government of Jammu & Kashmir are ongoing. Senior advocates for petitioners argued that five years have passed since the change of status and called for the government’s promise to be fulfilled within a reasonable period and at least some parliamentary discussion to be commenced.

The Court also referenced significant events such as the Pahalgam terror attack and debated the region’s progress and stability, noting both government and petitioner assessments of ground realities. The petition urges the restoration of statehood in line with assurances previously given to the Constitution Bench. The matter is set for further consideration upon receipt of the government’s response.