Article 370 Case Hearing : Live Updates From Supreme Court [Day 16]

CJI: On merits, it's on court to separate the grain from the shaft but I don't think that...we have not heard the government. We will put a lid on this. We have not heard either the AG or SG that these petitions should be dismissed on the grounds that they're separatist agenda.

CJI: They have argued the matter in merits. It has been argued on constitutional terms. We have said that we'll resolve on these terms...sometimes when intervenors come before this court, there is an anguish...that anguish- we as judges know how to deal with it.

CJI: Access to our court for ventilating grievances of citizens within the framework of the Constitution is a constitutional right in itself. Anyone who accesses justice under Article 32 cannot be turned out on the ground that you're following this agenda or that agenda.

CJI: Mr Sankarnarayanan, this is unfortunate. Nobody can say that because a petition under 32 has been filed...up to this point nobody has said that the filing of the petition constitutes separatist agenda.

Sr Adv Gopal Sankarnarayanan: They say pushing a separatist agenda. Filing a 370 petition in this court is pushing a separatist agenda? I have a very strong objection to the Government of India taking this stand. All of us are pushing a separatist agenda by being here

Sibal: You must have a uniform affidavit for every citizen to file this.

SG: India is referred as if it is a foreign country. His affidavit must say that I withdraw these statements. I do not support terrorism, I do not support any separatist activity and no citizen in this country can logically say that.

CJI: Don't read it.

SG: I will not read it but the first thing which was highlighted in a public rally. My learned friend objects to this being televised but this is a public rally. See this...when the terrorist attack took place...sympathy is only for terrorist and civilians.

SG: I saw his (Mohammad Akbar Lone's) affidavit last night. I would request your lordships to see three statements.

Sr Adv Kapil Sibal: Again, this is all being televised...