Indian SC gives BJP-led govt 4 weeks to reply over petitions challenging Article 370

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Indian SC gives BJP-led govt 4 weeks to reply over petitions challenging Article 370

New Delhi (Web Desk): India's Supreme Court on Tuesday granted the government four weeks to file its response to a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of occupied Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 of Constitution, reported Indian media.

A five-judge bench of the SC also placed an embargo on filing of any fresh writ petition challenging constitutional validity on abrogation of Article 370.

Last month, the top court permitted Congress leader and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to visit occupied Kashmir and file a report on the aggravating situation in the valley.

The Supreme Court directed the Congress leader to not engage in any political activities while in Kashmir.

During the Supreme Court hearing today, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said, "He [Ghulam Nabi Azad] will not make any speeches or hold any public rally as per his own submissions."

Azad has been allowed to travel to four districts - Baramulla, Srinagar, Anantnag, and Jammu.

Azad had earlier attempted to enter the occupied region after the abrogation of Article 370 but was sent back by airport authorities.