Indian SC refuses to hear petition against revocation of Article 370 on urgent basis

The Supreme Court of India turned down on Thursday multiple petitions challenging the government's decision to strip off the special status given to Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK).

A bench headed by Justice N V Ramana dismissed the petition filed by Manohar Lal Sharma In his petition, Ramana requested the bench to take up the hearing of the petition of urgent basis. However, the bench turned down his plea and said that the plea would be heard in 'due course'. Shamra had challenged the government's move to abrogate Article 370 as and said that it was 'unconstitutional'.

ICJ terms India scrapping Article 370 a ‘blow to rule of law, human rights’ in IoK

Similarly, the court also dismissed Tehseen Poonawalla plea seeking the withdrawal of curfew, blocking of phone lines, internet, news channels and other restrictions from IoK, Indian media reported. Poonawalla had also sought the release of leaders former chief ministers of IoK Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, who are under detention.

On Monday, India decided to revoke the bill granting special status to IoK. The government also detained the former chief ministers of IoK and other leaders. India has also shut off communications, including internet, cellphone and landline networks. The government also deployed more troop to the already heavily militarised region.