New Delhi, April 18: Former Chief Justice of India, Justice (Retd.) T.S. Thakur, has opted out of participating in the launch event of the forthcoming book by former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief A.S. Dulat, titled “The Chief Minister and The Spy”, in light of the growing political controversy surrounding the book’s references to National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
Justice Thakur, who was initially scheduled to release the book at a function slated for Friday, withdrew his participation citing the intense political fallout triggered by parts of the memoir that attribute contentious views to Dr. Abdullah—particularly claims suggesting he privately supported the abrogation of Article 370, the constitutional provision that had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir until its revocation by the Government of India on August 5, 2019.
The development follows a strong rebuttal by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Farooq Abdullah’s son, Omar Abdullah, who on Thursday confirmed in Jammu that his father would not attend the book launch. On Wednesday, Dr. Abdullah categorically denied Dulat’s assertions, calling them a “cheap stunt” aimed at promoting book sales and dismissed the remarks as misrepresentative and damaging.
In a formal response to the invitation extended by Mr. Dulat, Justice (Retd.) Thakur expressed his reservations about being associated with a book now embroiled in public and political scrutiny. “While I had accepted your kind invitation to participate in the release function, I have since yesterday seen a political storm brewing in the print and electronic media over certain parts of your book, especially those attributing statements to Farooq Abdullah, whom you admire and treat as a valued friend,” the former CJI stated in his letter.
Justice Thakur went on to underline that given Dr. Abdullah’s public disavowal—and near denunciation—of the remarks attributed to him, attending the event would place him in an awkward and potentially misconstrued position. “You would kindly appreciate that the raging controversy and its political overtones would be an embarrassment for me. I would like to avoid it not only on account of my long and cordial association with the Abdullah family but also because, as a completely apolitical person, I would not like to be seen as promoting or endorsing a book that is being publicly disowned by the very person it discusses,” he explained.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the event, Justice Thakur also pointed out that Dr. Abdullah was originally expected to share the dais with veteran journalist Vir Sanghvi for a conversation on the contents of the memoir, but may also now be stepping away from that commitment. This further reinforces the sensitive nature of the situation and the broader implications the controversy may have on the book’s reception and credibility.
Acknowledging the logistical inconvenience his last-minute decision may cause to the author and publishers, Justice Thakur conveyed regret for his withdrawal but requested understanding. “I am acutely conscious that my recusal on the eve of the launch may inconvenience you and compel you to seek an alternative arrangement. Given the circumstances, I hope you will understand and forgive the discomfiture this may cause to you and the publisher,” he stated.
The episode has added a significant dimension to the public discourse surrounding “The Chief Minister and The Spy,” which promises to delve into the political undercurrents of Kashmir through the lens of its interactions with India’s intelligence apparatus. With the withdrawal of both Justice Thakur and Farooq Abdullah, the book’s release is now overshadowed by a controversy that touches upon the sensitive constitutional history of Jammu and Kashmir and rekindles debates around Article 370, its legacy, and its political manipulation.