Supreme Court Upholds Article 370 Abrogation: Amit Shah Hails Decision as ‘Completely Constitutional

Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the Supreme Court of India’s verdict upholding the decision to abolish Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the judgment validates the constitutional nature of the historic move made in 2019. Shah expressed his views on ‘X,’ emphasizing that the decision had restored the rights of the poor and deprived in the region.

“I welcome the Supreme Court of India’s verdict upholding the decision to abolish Article 370. On August 5, 2019, PM Narendra Modi took a visionary decision to abrogate Article 370. Since then, peace and normalcy have returned to J&K. Growth and development have brought new meaning to human life in the valley once torn by violence. Today, the Supreme Court’s verdict has proved that the decision to abrogate Article 370 was completely constitutional,” Shah posted on ‘X.’

Shah highlighted the positive transformations in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh post the abrogation, citing prosperity in the tourism and agriculture sectors, and increased income levels for residents. He declared that separatism and stone-pelting are now relics of the past, replaced by a flourishing atmosphere of melodious music and cultural tourism.

“The entire region now echoes with melodious music and cultural tourism. The bonds of unity have strengthened, and integrity with Bharat stands reinforced. It is once again the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh that have always belonged to our nation and will continue to be so,” said the Union Home Minister.

Acknowledging the Supreme Court’s affirmation, Shah reiterated the commitment of the government, under PM Modi’s leadership, to establish lasting peace and ensure the all-round development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He emphasized ongoing efforts to boost the local economy, build state-of-the-art educational infrastructure, and empower the region’s poor through welfare benefits.

Shah’s remarks came in response to the Supreme Court’s announcement on Monday, upholding the Union Government’s decision to abrogate Article 370. The five-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, emphasized that every decision taken by the Centre on behalf of a State cannot be subject to legal challenge. The court affirmed that Article 370 was a temporary provision and directed the Election Commission to hold Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections by September 30, 2024. Additionally, the Court instructed the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest, in line with the Centre’s commitment.