New Delhi, August 7 (KNS): The Supreme Court of India will now hear the application seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir likely on August 14, 2025, instead of the previously listed date of August 8.

Advocate Irfan Hafeez, petitioner confirmed to Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the matter has been rescheduled and is officially listed for hearing on 14 August 2025

The application, filed by Zahoor Ahmed Bhat and activist Khurshaid Ahmad Malik, challenges the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, despite assurances made by the Union government during earlier proceedings. The petition highlights that the Supreme Court, in its 2023 verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370, had taken note of the Centre’s commitment to restore statehood "at the earliest."

The applicants argue that conditions on the ground — including the peaceful conduct of Assembly polls — indicate that there are no longer any security concerns or law and order issues that could prevent the restoration of statehood.

“Therefore, there is no impediment of security concerns, violence or any other disturbances which would hinder or prevent the grant/restoration of the status of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, as had been assured by the Union of India,” the application states.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Further, the petition contends that the prolonged delay in restoring statehood is a violation of the principle of federalism, which is a component of the Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution.

In its 2023 judgment, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court had unanimously upheld the constitutional validity of the abrogation of Article 370, which led to the reorganization of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. However, the court did not issue a binding directive on the restoration of statehood, relying instead on the assurance given by the Union Government.

With this upcoming hearing on August 14, focus returns to the Centre’s commitment and the constitutional implications of continued Union Territory status for Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS).