Amid SC hearing, check out key developments in Jammu & Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370

The Supreme Court on Wednesday commenced hearing on a batch of petitions challenging abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution that bestowed special status on the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud would conduct day-to-day hearing in the matter. As the apex court began the hearing, it’s time to take a look at the timeline and the major developments that have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370.

August 3, 2019: Thousands of students and tourists were asked to leave Indian-administered Kashmir citing ‘terror threat’ on India-Pakistan border. Around 45,000 troops were deployed.

August 4, 2019: Many political leaders including former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah were put under house arrest.

August 5, 2019: Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved a resolution to withdraw Article 370 and Article 35-A of the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha.

August 6, 2019: Lok Sabha passed the statutory resolution and the Reorganisation Act which was approved in the Rajya Sabha on the previous day and special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir was revoked.

August 9, 2019: Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 was passed in the Parliament splitting the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh

October 23, 2019: Local body elections were held in Srinagar even as opposition parties boycotted the polls.

March 13, 2020: Political leaders including former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah were released from house arrest.

Major Developments

Property Rights to Non Residents of J&K

Before the abrogation of Article 370A and 35A, non-residents of Jammu and Kashmir were not allowed to buy land. Soon after the withdrawal of special status, the centre issued a notification amending the Jammu and Kashmir Development Act dropping the ‘permanent residents’ phrase. With this, now ‘outsiders’ can also buy land in J&K provided it is not an agricultural land.

No Separate Flag, Constitution

Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir had its own flag and a constitution under the special status. J&K had its own penal code known as the Ranbir Penal Code. But with the removal of special status, the government offices hoisted India’s national flag.

Domicile Equality For Women

The women residents of Jammu and Kashmir who married a non-resident man used to lose their rights to buy property in the former state. Even their spouses were not treated as J&K residents not allowing them to buy property too. But with withdrawal of special status, the spouses of these women got domicile status which allowed them buy property and apply for government jobs.

Stone Pelters Denied Passport

The Centre recently decided not to issue Indian passports to those involved in anti-India activities including stone pelting.