Congress Expresses Disagreement with Supreme Court Judgment on Abrogation of Article 370

The Congress party stated on Monday that it respectfully disagrees with the Supreme Court's judgment on the abrogation of Article 370 and reiterated its stand that Article 370 deserved to be honored until it was amended in accordance with the Constitution. Congress leader P. Chidambaram expressed disappointment that the Supreme Court did not decide the question of dismembering the state and reducing its status to two Union Territories, reserving it for adjudication in a suitable case in the future. Chidambaram welcomed the Supreme Court's direction to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir but urged for their immediate conduct without waiting until September 30. He emphasized the Congress's commitment to working for the security, peace, development, and progress of Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Points:

1. The Congress expressed its respectful disagreement with the Supreme Court judgment on the abrogation of Article 370 and reiterated the CWC's resolution that Article 370 deserved to be honored until amended strictly in accordance with the Constitution.

2. P. Chidambaram, addressing a press conference, said the judgment needs careful study as it is a 476-page document, and prima facie, the Congress disagrees with the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated.

3. Chidambaram highlighted disappointment that the Supreme Court did not decide the question of dismembering the state and reducing its status to two Union Territories, leaving it reserved for adjudication in the future.

4. The Congress welcomed the Supreme Court's direction to hold assembly elections but emphasized that the elections should be held immediately, with no reason to wait until September 30.

5. Chidambaram emphasized the Congress's demand for the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, welcoming the Supreme Court's verdict in this regard and expressing a resolve to work for the security, peace, development, and progress of the region.

6. The Congress leader acknowledged that since accession, Jammu and Kashmir has been an integral part of India, and the people of the region are Indian citizens.

7. The Supreme Court's Constitution bench upheld the abrogation of Article 370 and ordered the Election Commission to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024.

(With Agency Inputs)