The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court was hearing the Article 370 case wherein it is stated that it will seek the response of the lead petitioner on the allegation that he had uttered slogans supporting Pakistan.
It has been submitted by one of the counsels appearing before the court that he has filed an affidavit about a “startling fact” which came to his knowledge.
Further, while Representing a Kashmiri Pandits’ organization “Roots in Kashmir”, the counsel appearing stated before the court that National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Lone, the main petitioner in the batch of cases wherein it challenged the repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, had made pro-Pakistan slogans in the State Assembly and other places.
The counsel, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta has then stated that Lone should file an affidavit in the Supreme Court asserting that he owed allegiance to the Constitution of India and opposed secessionist forces and terrorism.
It has also been demanded by the another counsel that Lone should express an apology and that the submission of him should be taken on record only if he expresses remorse for his statements.
The Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta stated that not just remorse, thus he must say that he opposes secessionist activities and terrorism by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.
The court stated that somebody comes before the highest court of the land, challenges Presidential Orders and he does not apologize. Therefore, if he has made that statement, his submissions should be taken on record only if he apologizes before your lordships and puts it on record.
Senior Advocate V Giri, who represents parties supporting the abrogation of Article 370, it has been stated by the bench of CJI Chandrachud that we got your point, we will put it to Mr Counsel during the rejoinder. It has also been pointed out by the said court that Lone was a Member of Parliament and not an ordinary man, thus, the Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta stated that despite it being brought to the notice of the court if he does nothing it might encourage others and that the efforts of the nation to bring in normalcy which is substantially successful might be affected. While, coming from responsible leaders it has its own seriousness.
