‘J&K accession irreversible; secessionist arguments can’t be permitted’

Jan 23, 2020
New Delhi: The Centre told the Supreme Court on Thursday that the accession of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union is “irreversible”.

Attorney General K.K. Venugopal, replying on the batch of petitions filed challenging the revocation of Article 370, explained how the process of accession of J&K into the Indian Union took place.

A five-judge bench headed by Justice N.V. Ramana and comprising Justices S.K. Kaul, R. Subhash Reddy, B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant, is hearing the case.

Emphasizing the purpose of the story on J&K’s integration, Venugopal told the court the integration of the Indian States shows the consolidation of the country.

“I want to show that the sovereignty of J&K was indeed temporary. We are now a Union of states,” said the AG.

Delving into the history of the state, the AG said that he will differ on many counts. For instance, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir had entered into a Standstill Agreement with Pakistan.

The AG also cited excerpts from V.P. Menon’s book called “Integration of the Indian States”. He contended that this book showcases the relationship between the Maharaja and Pakistan and the basis of Maharaja’s subsequent decision approving the Instrument of Accession with India.

In support of his argument, the AG wanted to hand over the court copies of Pakistani media reports during the hearing. However, senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan opposed terming it a political argument.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta interjected stating that the most of the arguments made by Zafar Ahmed Shah, appearing for J&K High Court Bar Association challenging the revocation of Article 370, were also political.

“No arguments justifying secessionism in J&K can be permitted…we are placing correct against wrong narrative,” said Mehta.

The arguments will continue post lunch. IANS