Supreme Court To Seek Response From Lead Petitioner In Article 370 Case Regarding Alleged Pro-Pakistan Slogan

The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court hearing the Article 370 case on Monday said that it will seek the response of the lead petitioner on the allegation that he had uttered slogans supporting Pakistan. The Bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that the issue will be put to the counsel for the petitioner during rejoinder arguments.

As soon as the bench assembled this morning, one counsel submitted that he has filed an affidavit about a "startling fact" which came to his knowledge. Representing a Kashmiri Pandits' organization "Roots in Kashmir", the counsel stated that National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Lone, the main petitioner in the batch of cases challenging the repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, had made pro-Pakistan slogans in the State Assembly and other places.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta then stated that Lone should file an affidavit in the Supreme Court asserting that he owed allegiance to the Constitution of India and opposed secessionist forces and terrorism.

Another counsel demanded that Lone should express an apology and that his submissions should be taken on record only if he expresses remorse for his statements.

"Not just remorse, he must say that he opposes secessionist activities and terrorism by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir", SG Tushar Mehta said.

Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for another intervenor supporting the Union, said, "...if he is invoking the Constitution of India, then he can't stand outside the Constitution of India".

"Somebody comes before the highest court of the land, challenges Presidential Orders and he doesn't apologize. If he has made that statement, his submissions should be taken on record only if he apologizes before your lordships and puts it on record", Senior Advocate V Giri, who represents parties supporting the abrogation of Article 370, said.

"We got your point. We will put it to Mr Counsel during the rejoinder", Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said.

Pointing out that Lone was a Member of Parliament and not an ordinary man, SG said, "Despite it being brought to the notice of the court if he does nothing it might encourage others. The efforts of the nation to bring in normalcy which is substantially successful might be affected. Coming from responsible leaders it has its own seriousness".