Article 35A & Its Significance

From August 14, 2017, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court started hearing a petition challenging the constitutionality of Article 35A, which is being seen by many as something that can have larger impact on the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to a political controversy.

What is Article 35A?

• Article 35A of the Constitution empowers J&K legislature to define state’s ‘permanent residents’ and their special rights and privileges.
• It was added to the Constitution through a presidential order of 1954 and the then J&K government’s concurrence.

What is its significance to J&K?

• Through 1927 & 1932 notifications, Dogra ruler ....