Srinagar, Dec 11 (KNS): The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the President's order allowing the Union to amend Article 370 without the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly and stated that the state was not needed to be consulted in this matter.

Delivering the landmark judgement, the 5-judge bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud held that exercise of presidential power to issue constitutional order abrogating Article 370 of Constitution as valid.

The Court observed that when Constituent Assembly of J&K ceased to exist, special condition for which Article 370 was introduced ceased to exist.

The top also directed that restoration of statehood in Union Territory of J&K shall be done at the earliest and steps be taken by the Election Commission of India to conduct elections to J&K Assembly by Sep 30, 2024. (KNS)