Srinagar, Dec 15 (KNS): : Senior Supreme Court advocate and former bar leader Ashok Bhan on Monday said the continued delay in restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir was not justified, asserting that the Union government must honour its commitments made in Parliament and before the Supreme Court.

Speaking at a gathering of the Lawyers Guild, a think tank of legal professionals, Bhan said the Union of India had repeatedly assured that the Union Territory status of Jammu and Kashmir was temporary and that statehood would be restored.

He referred to the Constitution bench judgment on Article 370, noting that it recorded the submission of the Solicitor General of India that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir, citing paragraph 503 of the verdict.

Bhan said the prolonged absence of statehood undermines democratic federalism, which is a basic feature of the Constitution.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWhile Jammu and Kashmir has an elected legislative assembly, he said real authority continues to vest with the Lieutenant Governor and the Union government, limiting the role of elected representatives.

He said the delay also weakens political trust and alienates citizens, particularly the youth, and questioned the rationale of linking statehood restoration indefinitely to security considerations.

Bhan said democratic processes, including elections, have been conducted, indicating administrative readiness.

He cautioned that prolonged delay could set an adverse constitutional precedent and said restoring statehood could contribute to reconciliation, accountability, and long-term peace in the region.(KNS).