Kashmir's statehood petition to be addressed by India's supreme court
In August 2019, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, revoked the limited autonomy of the region known as Jammu and Kashmir and brought it under federal control [1]. This decision was accompanied by mass arrests and a communications blackout that lasted for months [2].
Fast forward to November 2024, elections were held in Kashmir, resulting in the first government since it was brought under New Delhi's direct control [6]. However, the elected government possesses limited powers, with the territory primarily governed by a New Delhi-appointed administrator.
Now, in August 2025, an application seeking a definitive timeline for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled for hearing before the Supreme Court of India [1][4]. The petition, filed by Zahoor Ahmed Bhat and Khurshaid Ahmad Malik, challenges the delay in restoring statehood despite the Union government's prior assurances [1].
The restoration of statehood would require the repeal of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which currently governs the Union Territory status of Jammu and Kashmir, and the passing of fresh legislation by Parliament [3]. If accomplished, this would empower the Chief Minister, reversing the heightened legislative and administrative controls currently exercised by the Lieutenant Governor and the Union Home Minister following the 2019 reorganization [3].
Meanwhile, political groups and leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, are actively advocating for the restoration of statehood, emphasizing it as a right and a promised commitment to the people of the region [3][5].
It is important to note that this territory is a region where a separatist insurgency has been ongoing for years. Kashmir remains divided between India and Pakistan, a division that occurred after the neighbors were granted independence and partitioned in 1947. The removal of Article 370 from the constitution, which enshrined the region's special status, was challenged by various parties, including Kashmir's pro-India political parties, the local Bar Association, and individual litigants [2].
The hearing in the Supreme Court is scheduled for August 8, but the outcome and the definitive timeline for statehood restoration remain to be clarified during the hearing and subsequent decisions [1][3][4].
References:
[1] The Indian Express. (2025, July 31). SC to hear plea on restoration of statehood to J&K on August 8. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/sc-to-hear-plea-on-restoration-of-statehood-to-j-k-on-august-8-8353487/
[2] The Hindu. (2019, August 6). Revocation of Article 370: What it means for Kashmir. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/revocation-of-article-370-what-it-means-for-kashmir/article29014279.ece
[3] The Wire. (2023, December 22). SC upholds abrogation of Article 370, calls for restoration of statehood to J&K. Retrieved from https://thewire.in/law/sc-upholds-abrogation-of-article-370-calls-for-restoration-of-statehood-to-j-k
[4] The Quint. (2025, July 31). SC Reschedules Hearing on Petition Seeking Time Frame for Restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Retrieved from https://www.thequint.com/news/india/sc-reschedules-hearing-on-petition-seeking-time-frame-for-restoration-of-statehood-to-jammu-and-kashmir
[5] The Print. (2024, November 16). Omar Abdullah: Restoration of statehood to J&K is a right, not a favour. Retrieved from https://theprint.in/india/omar-abdullah-restoration-of-statehood-to-j-k-is-a-right-not-a-favour/950439/
[6] BBC News. (2024, November 16). Kashmir elections: India's divided region votes for first time since 2014. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55795769
- In the political landscape of India, the Supreme Court is set to hear an application on August 8, 2025, seeking a definitive timeline for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, a territory that remains embroiled in war-and-conflicts and politics.
- Political groups and leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, continue to advocates for policy-and-legislation changes, emphasizing the restoration of statehood as a right for the region, challenging the delay in implementation despite prior assurances from the Union government.
