In a massive win for the Narendra Modi government, the Supreme Court on Monday upheld the Centre’s 2019 decision of abrogating Article 370. While delivering the verdict, the top court said that Article 370, which had bestowed special status to Jammu and Kashmir was temporary. The court further added that J&K will remain an integral part of India.

After the judgment, top leaders across the party lines had differing views. While BJP welcomed the verdict, National Conference’s vice president Omar Abdullah said that he was ‘disappointed’. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Abdullah added that he also added that though disappointed, he was not ‘disheartened’. He further said that the J&K struggle will continue. he also said that the National Conference was prepared for the ‘long haul’.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 11, 2023

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and the son of Maharaja Hari Singh, Karan Singh, expressed his approval on the ruling, stating, “I welcome this verdict. It is now evident that the events align with constitutional validity… I urge Prime Minister Modi to expedite the restoration of statehood.”

Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chief Ghulam Nabi Azad also termed top court’s verdict as ‘disappointing’. Azad said that his party was very sad and the verdict was ‘unfortunate’. However, he also added that there is nothing that can be done about it and the ruling should be accepted. Azad further added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were not happy from the judgment.

After the abrogation of #Article370, the rights of the poor and deprived have been restored, and separatism and stone pelting are now things of the past. The entire region now echoes with melodious music and cultural tourism. The bonds of unity have strengthened, and integrity…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 11, 2023

BJP President JP Nadda welcomed the top court’s ruling. In a post on X, Nadda said that the Narendra Modi government has done an incredible job of bringing the people of J&K to the mainstream. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also lauded the ruling. He also said that the Centre’s has an unwavering commitment towards fulfilling the dreams of people of Jammu and Kashmir.

On Monday, the Supreme Court affirmed the Centre’s decision on August 5, 2019, to revoke Article 370, which granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. The court emphasized the need for conducting Assembly elections in the Union Territory by September 30 of the following year. Additionally, the apex court issued a directive for the prompt restoration of statehood to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.