Hearing on Article 370: Centre objects to NC leader Akbar Lone's pro-Pakistan slogans

Tribune News Service

Satya Prakash

New Delhi, September 4

The Centre on Monday took strong exception to pro-Pakistan slogans allegedly shouted in the past by National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Lone, the lead petitioner challenging abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution.

A five-judge Bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud -- which is hearing petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into union territories -- said it would seek response from Lone to the allegation that he had made pro-Pakistan slogans.

As soon as the Bench – also comprising Justice SK Kaul, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant -- assembled this morning for the day-15 hearing, an advocate, representing NGO ‘Roots in Kashmir’, said he had filed an affidavit about a "startling fact" about Lone that he had shouted pro-Pakistan slogans in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2018 and also at other places.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta immediately intervened and demanded that Lone must file an affidavit to the effect that he owed allegiance to the Constitution of India and opposed secessionist forces and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Despite it being brought to the notice of the court, if he does nothing it might encourage others…The efforts of the nation to bring in normalcy…which is substantially successful might be affected. Coming from responsible leaders it has its own seriousness,” Mehta said, highlighting the fact that Lone was an MP and not an ordinary person.

Senior counsel V Giri said Lone should apologise and that his submissions should be taken on record only if he expressed remorse for his pro-Pakistan slogans and statements.

"Somebody comes before the highest court of the land, challenges Presidential Orders and he doesn't apologise. If he has made that statement, his submissions should be taken on record only if he apologises before your lordships and puts it on record," said Giri, who represented a party that supported abrogation of Article 370.

The Bench said it would seek Lone’s response to the allegations.

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