Supreme Court Refuses Early Hearing on J&K Statehood Plea; Omar Abdullah Hopes for Deadline in October

I have often felt that the story of Jammu and Kashmir is one of endless waiting, of promises made but not delivered on time. The people of this land, who have already witnessed historic political shifts, now watch with anxious eyes as the Supreme Court takes up the matter of restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. On Monday, the apex court refused to advance the hearing date, saying the petitions are already listed for October 10. For many of us, it feels like yet another delay in a decision that could shape the political destiny of the Union Territory.

Supreme Court’s Stand on Restoration of Statehood

On August 14, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice B R Gavai, sought a response from the Centre within eight weeks on a separate plea seeking statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. However, when a lawyer pushed for early listing of a contempt petition, the bench firmly said the matter would be heard only on October 10. The Chief Justice reminded the court that they were already engaged in a constitutional bench hearing, and advancing the J&K matter was not possible right now.

The refusal has left many disappointed, especially since this issue has been lingering ever since Article 370 was abrogated in August 2019. The December 2023 verdict by the Supreme Court had upheld the revocation of Article 370, describing it as a temporary provision, but also directed that assembly elections be held by September 2024 and that statehood be restored “at the earliest.” The phrase “at the earliest” continues to haunt many who wonder what timeline it really means.

Omar Abdullah’s Voice of Hope

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, speaking in Srinagar, shared the same sentiment that I and many others feel—waiting for a deadline that never seems to come. “We have been after the restoration of statehood for the last ten months. Our very first cabinet resolution was about statehood, and I personally handed it over to the prime minister,” he said.

Omar’s words reflect a deep frustration but also a stubborn hope. He acknowledged that had the Supreme Court not ordered assembly elections, perhaps he would not be standing as chief minister today. That one directive from the court changed the political scene of Jammu and Kashmir. And now, once again, he hopes that the Supreme Court will set a firm deadline for statehood when the matter is heard on October 10.

The Larger Political and Emotional Reality

When I listen to leaders and ordinary people talk about statehood, it feels less like a constitutional debate and more like a cry for dignity. Jammu and Kashmir was once a full-fledged state, with its own elected government, pride, and identity. The loss of that status has left a void that can only be healed when statehood is restored.

The Supreme Court, while ensuring the legal framework, also carries the responsibility of acknowledging the human emotions tied to this issue. In its earlier observations, the court had reminded the Centre to also consider “ground realities” such as the recent unrest in Pahalgam. These words matter because they show that beyond the legal documents, the lived experiences of the people matter too.

Political Tensions and Protests in the Valley

The politics of statehood is not confined to courtrooms. In Srinagar, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti led protests demanding the transfer of prisoners from outside jails back to Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah responded by saying such protests were fine but decisions on security were taken in Delhi, not Srinagar. This exchange shows how even the question of prisoners is tied to the bigger picture of autonomy, authority, and statehood.

Omar, however, is running a signature campaign to press for restoration of statehood. He has promised to take it to both the Centre and the Supreme Court. This growing campaign indicates that for many Kashmiris, the demand for statehood is not merely political—it is deeply personal.

Why October 10 Matters So Much

For now, all eyes are on October 10. Will the Supreme Court finally give a clear deadline? Will the Centre step forward with a timeline? These questions weigh heavily on the minds of people. As someone following this closely, I cannot help but feel that the delay only deepens the wounds of uncertainty.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve clarity. They deserve to know when their home will once again be called a state, not just a Union Territory. Omar Abdullah’s words capture this sentiment best: “We hope the SC will set a deadline, and our statehood is restored immediately.”

Disclaimer

This article is written for informational and journalistic purposes only. It reflects publicly available reports and statements. Taaza Wire does not take any political stance but aims to present news in a clear, human, and accessible manner for readers.

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