Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 2: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah has voiced concern over stand taken by the Counsel of the State before the Supreme Court in the litigation related to Article 35-A.
In a statement, Dr Abdullah said the Additional Solicitor General of India, who was representing J&K before the SC, has been quoted as having accepted during the hearing before the Supreme Court that some aspects of Article 35-A deserve to be scrutinized by the Apex Court on the grounds of gender discrimination and Constitutionally.
“If the quote is true, this is a grave development and a matter of serious concern. Such a statement, if made before the Supreme Court of India on behalf of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir indicated that instead of defending Article 35-A and asking for the challenge to be dismissed based upon earlier Constitution bench judgment, the State Government has virtually conceded before the Apex Court that some parts of Article 35-A deserve to be struck down,” Farooq asserted.
Dr Abdullah voiced concern that Advocate General of Jammu and Kashmir has been virtually sidelined and made to take back seat in such a sensitive litigation concerning the unique legal history and Constitutional status of the State. He said the Advocate General is the Constitutional authority and guardian of the interests of the people of State before all courts.
Farooq called upon the State Government to take immediate steps to ensure that the State Government doesn’t facilitate striking down of Article 35-A by its subtle support and admissions made before the Supreme Court.
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