Supreme Court's Article 370 hearing | Chief Justice commends Sheikh Abdullah's 'foresight in 1951'

 Captivating the attention of readers, the scene in Srinagar unfolded during a pivotal session at the Supreme Court, where the Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud offered an unexpected tribute. Amidst the Article 370 hearing, the CJI chose a poignant moment to laud the sagacity of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference (NC), as he reflected on a speech that had remarkable foresightedness.

The atmosphere in the courtroom was charged with anticipation as senior lawyer Kapil Sibal presented parts of Abdullah's speech to the constituent assembly. However, it was the CJI himself who took the reins, delving into the text left unread by Sibal. In a moment of clarity, the CJI highlighted how Abdullah's vision back in 1951 was echoing through the corridors of time.
The context of Abdullah's role within the Constituent Assembly of India and the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir became a key point of discussion during the ongoing case. The CJI, referencing the visionary words of Abdullah, underlined the speaker's exceptional ability to foresee future events.
With a blend of intrigue and insight, the CJI brought forth a passage from Abdullah's speech. "Interestingly," he began, "see how Sheikh Abdullah puts it. He says the most powerful argument which can be advanced in Pakistan's favour is that Pakistan is a Muslim state and a big majority of our people being Muslim, the state must accede to Pakistan." He continued to quote Abdullah's prescient words: "This claim of being a Muslim state is only a camouflage - it's a screen to dupe the common man so that he cannot see clearly that Pakistan is a feudal state in which a clique is trying by these methods to maintain itself in power."
In a move that captivated everyone in the courtroom, the CJI turned his focus to the remarkable foresight displayed by Abdullah. "He had a vision in 1951 when he was speaking about economic interests, which the world is talking about today," he remarked, commending Abdullah's ability to peer into the future.
As the session resumed on Tuesday, a five-judge bench at the Supreme Court grappled with the weighty task of hearing pleas that challenged the abrogation of Article 370. This session was a continuation of the hearings that had commenced the previous week, evoking a sense of significance that hung in the air.