“Option of filing review petition being explored”: CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami on SC upholding abrogation of Article 370

CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami stated on Thursday that various options, including the possibility of filing a review petition before the Supreme Court, are under consideration in response to the court’s judgment supporting the Centre’s decision to revoke Article 370.

The comments followed a unanimous decision by a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on December 11, affirming the Union government’s 2019 move to annul Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The court emphasized that Article 370 is a “temporary provision.”

Speaking to sources, MY Tarigami, a CPI(M) leader, and petitioner for his party, expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, stating, “In addition to being a petitioner representing my party, I am also a citizen, and as a citizen, I would say I am not happy with the verdict. We are exploring more options, including requesting the court to review the verdict, and restore the rights of the people of J-K.”

Tarigami highlighted that the local citizens of Jammu and Kashmir were not consulted by the Centre before the abrogation of Article 370. He emphasized, “Article 370 became a bridge between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest part of India; it was abrogated without consulting the local citizens. Their views were not taken before taking this decision of abrogation.”

In a landmark ruling, the apex court upheld the revocation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, setting a deadline of September next year for the Centre to reinstate statehood and conduct elections in the region. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Chandrachud, while reading from the judgment, stated that decisions made by the Centre on behalf of a State under proclamation cannot be legally challenged, as it would lead to the administration of the state coming to a standstill. The Supreme Court reiterated that Article 370 of the Constitution was only intended as a temporary provision.