Supreme Court Likely to Hear J&K Statehood Case on August 14
A petition seeking the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir is expected to be heard by India’s Supreme Court on August 14, 2025. The plea was originally scheduled for August 8 but was postponed after a senior advocate raised concerns, prompting a judge to ensure it remained on the court’s agenda.
What the Petition Seeks
The petition was filed by academician Zahoor Ahmad Bhat and activist Khurshaid Ahmad Malik. It seeks a clear, time-bound directive from the central government to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The petitioners argue that delaying this process undermines the idea of federalism, an important part of India’s constitutional structure.
Court’s Earlier Directions
In December 2023, a constitutional bench of the Supreme Court upheld the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. However, the same judgment urged the government to restore statehood “as soon as possible” and conduct assembly elections by September 2024. That deadline has passed, and statehood has not yet been restored.
Postponement and Ground Realities
Despite the court’s earlier direction, no assembly elections have taken place, and statehood remains unreturned. Political and legal demands for restoring full status continue to grow, and the delayed hearing reflects ongoing concern over governance and democratic rights in the region.
What’s Next?
If the Supreme Court hears the plea on August 14, it could issue a firm timeline or legal directive for restoring statehood. A successful outcome would be a significant step toward returning normal political rights to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Observers are watching closely for the court’s next move as the region awaits clarity on its future.
