SC allows Azad to visit 4 dists; but can’t hold political rallies

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 16

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad to visit four districts of the state to assess the impact on life of daily wagers due to restrictions imposed after the abrogation of crucial provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution.

A three-judge Bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, recorded Azad’s submission that he will not indulge in any political rally or activity during his visit.

The bench allowed Azad to visit Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla and Jammu districts of the state subject to any restrictions, if any.

“The petitioner has undertaken before the court on his own volition that he will not indulge in any political rally or political activity during his visit. The visit will solely be concerned with making an assessment of the impact of the present situation on the life of the daily wage earners, if any,” it noted.

The Bench, which also included Justice SA Bobde and Justice S Abdul Nazeer, issued notices to the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration asking them to respond in two weeks on other issues raised by Azad in his petition. Azad has also sought a nod from the top court to visit his family members and relatives.

On behalf of Azad, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said he was an MP from the state and needed to meet the people. “I (Azad) am a six-time Member of Parliament and a former Chief Minister of the state. I, as Member of Parliament, can visit the whole of India but cannot visit my home state. I need to visit the people. I have a fundamental right to meet the people of my state and my constituency and know about their well-being.”

There were reports that daily wagers involved in farming and working in apple orchards were facing serious problems and loss of livelihood due to the clampdown prevailing in the state, Singhvi said.

He said Azad had thrice tried to visit the state on August 8, 20 and 24, but was sent back from the airport itself.The bench told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Jammu and Kashmir, that Azad wants to visit his home state and undertakes not to hold any political rally. Mehta said that he had not been served any petition and needed two weeks to reply to the same.The Bench also issued notice to the Centre and the state administration to MDMK leader Vaiko’s petition seeking release of former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, who has now been detained.