Supreme Court to commence hearing on Article 370 pleas in August, not July 11
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India is expected to initiate the hearing of a batch of petitions challenging the dilution of Article 370 in August, despite being listed for directions on July 11. Justice BR Gavai disclosed this information during the bail hearing of activist Teesta Setalvad.
During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Setalvad, suggested that the hearing in her petition might be scheduled for August. In response, Justice Gavai stated, "It will be too late because we will begin hearing the challenge against Article 370."
Sibal then expressed his belief that the hearing was slated to begin on July 11. Justice Gavai clarified, "That is only for directions. Tentatively, we will be starting in August."
As per the causelist, the matters have been listed "for directions" on July 11, which primarily involves procedural formalities such as document filing, submissions, and allocation of time for arguments. Typically, the bench appoints a "nodal counsel" from both sides to ensure the compilation of documents is complete for the reference of the bench and the parties involved.
A constitution bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, is scheduled to hear a series of pleas challenging the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution. The abrogation resulted in the removal of special status from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into the union territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. The five-judge bench also includes Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant.
These petitions, which were listed on July 11, are being posted for the first time since March 2, 2020, when another constitution bench ruled against the need for a seven-judge bench referral. The hearing began in December 2019, just four months after the Centre notified the repeal of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the previous judgement stating that a five-judge bench could address the issues raised in the pleas, the matter had not been listed until now. However, it has been mentioned before the Chief Justice of India on several occasions.
Justices NV Ramana and Subhash Reddy, who were part of the last constitution bench that dealt with the matter, have already retired. While Justices Kaul, Gavai, and Kant were members of the previous five-judge bench, Chief Justice Chandrachud and Justice Sanjiv Khanna have joined to fill the vacancies.
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Delhi Police books over 11,000 for traffic violation in 3-hour drive
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Traffic Police penalised over 11,800 motorists during a special three-hour enforcement drive conducted across the city, targeting improper parking and wrong-side driving, officials said.
The intensive drive was carried out on Saturday across all traffic ranges and districts as part of efforts to curb congestion and enhance road safety, they said.
According to the police, the campaign primarily focused on two major violations that frequently contribute to traffic snarls and accidents in the national capital.
"During the operation, more than 8,500 motorists were booked for improper or obstructive parking. Vehicles parked in no-parking zones, near intersections, on footpaths, and along busy roads and market areas were targeted, with many being towed away to ensure smooth traffic flow," an officer said.
In addition, over 3,500 drivers were prosecuted for wrong-side driving, a violation considered highly risky for all road users. Special teams were deployed at accident-prone stretches, arterial roads, and areas with a history of frequent violations to check the offence.
The enforcement drive covered all categories of vehicles, including two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and commercial vehicles, police said. "Such violations not only disrupt traffic movement but also pose serious threats to public safety," Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vijayanta Goyal Arya said.
The police said similar drives will continue as part of sustained enforcement and awareness measures.
