Srinagar, Nov 21 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir High Court fixed December 18 for the final hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the provisions of the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, as amended in December 2023.

As per Kashmir News Service (KNS), the amendment authorizes the Lieutenant Governor to nominate five MLAs to the J&K Legislative Assembly, over and above its sanctioned strength.

The matter was listed before a special Division Bench comprising Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Rajesh Sekhri. During proceedings, the court inquired whether the parties were ready for the final hearing.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Prashanto Sen, appearing for the petitioner, requested a short adjournment, assuring the bench that arguments would be presented on the next date. The court agreed and scheduled the final hearing for December 18, noting that proceedings in the matter have already been delayed on multiple occasions.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The PIL was filed in October last year by former MLC and JKPCC Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, who is also a lawyer.

Initially, the petition was filed before the Supreme Court and subsequently in the J&K High Court. During a preliminary hearing on October 21, the High Court framed a key question of law and directed the Government of India and the Lt Governor’s office to file responses, citing the matter’s public importance.

The respondents, including the Government of India and the Lt Governor’s office, have already filed replies opposing the petition and justifying the nomination of five MLAs by the Lt Governor. The PIL now awaits final hearing on December 18.(KNS).