Article 370 Case Hearing : Live Updates From Supreme Court [Day 10]

SG Mehta: Then the accession was concluded. Now see what happened after.

SG Mehta: Yes, he said if Menon comes don't wake me up but if he doesn't come, shoot me. So long as there is a life in me, I'll defend my people, he said.

CJI: So this letter (written by the Maharaja) is taken by Mr Menon to Sardar Patel. And the Maharaja said that he had instructed that if Menon comes back well and good, otherwise he said shoot me when I'm asleep.

SG Mehta refers to the model draft of the Instrument of Accession signed by all states.

SG Mehta: That can be a better way of reading it. That is why Sardar Patel said that basic theme was mutual interest.

CJI: We must also put ourselves at that time- the Union of India wanted these princely states to come within its fold. So we gave them assurance that you can decide today that you will only give certain subjects to the Union.

CJI: Actually this was done to create a sense of confidence in the princely states. That you're acceding to the union but we are giving you the ability to have reservations in your Instrument of Accession...

SG Mehta: The system of accession of Indian States, that is the section 6 of the Order of 1947- this was, in my reading, an attempt to ensure that unification becomes as difficult as possible because everyone was permitted to put their own terms and conditions.

SG Mehta: See how beautifully our founding fathers dealt with that situation, unified our nation, and the ultimate result was Art 1.

The bench has reconvened.

SG Mehta continues quoting from the list of dates to underline the history of accession.

The bench rises for lunch.

The court will resume at 2 pm.