Omar Abdullah Criticizes BJP’s Article 370 Remarks as Potential Contempt of Court
09-08-2023 : BJP’s Remarks on Article 370 May Amount to Contempt of Court, Says Omar Abdullah Omar Abdullah, a prominent leader of the National Conference, has raised concerns over certain statements made by BJP leaders regarding Article 370 in the context of its abrogation. He urged the central government to wait for the Supreme Court’s verdict on the matter instead of making what he perceives as threats. Abdullah believes that such remarks, especially by responsible BJP leaders, could potentially be considered as contempt of court since the issue is sub-judice. Union Minister Smriti Irani’s recent statement in the Lok Sabha that “Article 370 will never be restored” prompted Abdullah’s response.
Abdullah expressed his surprise and disappointment at hearing such statements from the BJP leaders. He emphasized that the case is currently under the consideration of the Supreme Court, and it is important to respect the judicial process. He questioned the need for such threats if the government is confident in its case. Abdullah likened these remarks to a form of contempt of court, as they undermine the independence and authority of the judicial system.
Regarding the arguments presented by senior lawyer Kapil Sibal in the Supreme Court, Abdullah acknowledged their strength. However, he also noted that the government’s response is yet to be seen. He reiterated that the National Conference’s decision to have legal experts like Sibal and Gopal Subaramanium represent the party’s petitions in court has been a wise one. Abdullah expressed hope for a fair and just outcome from the court’s deliberations, but he acknowledged that the final decision rests with the judges.
Abdullah also addressed the issue of Chief Justice of India Justice D Y Chandrachud’s positive remarks about his grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference. He welcomed the recognition of his grandfather’s contribution to the region and lamented the attempts by some parties to distort that contribution over the past few decades.
Responding to PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s assertion that the Article 370 case is a test of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s decision to accede to India, Abdullah clarified that it is not a test of an individual’s decision but rather a test of the Constitution itself. He emphasized the importance of upholding the constitutionality and legality of actions taken in the past.
Union Minister Smriti Irani’s reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra in her parliamentary speech also caught Abdullah’s attention. Irani’s statement that “Article 370 will never be restored” in the context of the changed situation in the valley prompted Abdullah to reaffirm the importance of respecting the legal process and the judicial system.
When questioned about the National Conference’s participation in upcoming panchayat elections, Abdullah indicated the party’s readiness to contest all elections, whether they be for panchayats, urban local bodies, Parliament, or state assemblies. He highlighted his party’s active role within the INDIA alliance of the opposition and confirmed their intent to participate in the ongoing political process. The National Conference plans to cast its vote in the no-confidence motion in Parliament as part of its commitment to the democratic process.
