‘In-chamber’ decision on Art 35-A plea

New Delhi, January 22

The Supreme Court today said it would take an “in-chamber” decision on listing for hearing of a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Article 35-A, which gives special rights to permanent residents of J&K. 

The Supreme Court on August 31 had adjourned to January 2019 hearing on petitions against Article 35A of the Constitution after both Centre and J&K sought deferment citing law and order problem and preparations for local body elections. The matter was today mentioned before a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi for urgent hearing of a petition by “We, The Citizens” against Article 35A. There are certain other petitions against Article 35A as well.

Article 35A debars rest of Indians from acquiring immovable property, obtaining state government jobs and settling in the state. It denies property rights to women marrying men from other states. — TNS