NEW DELHI, Aug 19:
The Supreme Court today decided to examine the constitutional validity of the controversial Article 370 giving autonomy to the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Issuing notices to the Centre, a bench headed by Justice H L Dattu directed Narendra Modi Government to explain the special status for the State of J&K.
An NGO has filed a PIL challenging the constitutional validity of Article 370 of the Constitution of India on the grounds of discrimination.
According to the petitioner, the Article also violates the fundamental rights of the people of India. Under the Article non-Kashmiris cannot purchase property in the State and he/she is not entitled to a job in the State unless and until they are domiciles of the State. Indian laws are not applicable to the State of J&K. Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) and not Indian Penal Code (IPC) governs criminal law in the State.
Barring defence and foreign policy, the State of J&K enjoys autonomy.
The petitioner has urged the court to declare Article 370 as unconstitutional. (UNI)
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