Abrogation of Article 370: LIVE UPDATES from Supreme Court [Day 1]

A Constitution bench of the Supreme Court of India is hearing a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution which conferred special status on the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai and Surya Kant is hearing the matter.

Over 20 petitions are pending before the Supreme Court challenging the Central government's 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, which resulted in the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. The erstwhile State was subsequently bifurcated into two Union Territories.

When the matters were listed in March 2020, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court had decided not to refer the batch of petitions to a seven-judge Constitution Bench, despite some petitioners seeking a reference.

On July 11 this year, two petitioners, Shah Faesal and Shehla Rashid sought permission to withdraw their pleas and the request was allowed by the Court.

The bench on that day also decided to devote all Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to the case till the hearing is complete.

Live updates from the hearing today.