Centre Needs Time To Restore Normalcy In J&K, Says SC

The top court refused to pass immediate directions on a plea for lifting several restrictions including communication in J&K. The court further said it will wait for the return of normalcy in J&K and will take up the matter after 2 weeks.

Security personnel stop an auto-rickshaw for questioning at a roadblock during a lockdown in Srinagar on August 12, 2019. - Indian troops clamp. PIC/AFP.

New Delhi: The Centre told the Supreme Court that it is reviewing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir on a day-to-day basis and said it will take approximately three months for normalcy to return in the region. The central government’s response came in after the Supreme Court today heard a plea challenging the Centre's decision to impose restrictions and "other regressive measures" in Jammu and Kashmir following the revocation of the provisions of Article 370. The plea filed by Congress activist Tehseen Poonawalla was listed for hearing before a bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, M R Shah and Ajay Rastogi. Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, informed the apex court "we have to ensure that law and order situation in J&K is maintained." The Centre also referred to July 2016 agitation in Kashmir after encounter of terrorist Burhan Wani. The bench said the present situation in J&K is "very sensitive" and it should be ensured that there is no loss of life there and said “reasonable time should be given to the government to ensure normalcy in J&K.” The top court refused to pass immediate directions on a plea for lifting several restrictions including communication in J&K. The court further said it will wait for the return of normalcy in J&K and will take up the matter after 2 weeks.