Srinagar, Apr 21 : Amid criticism over the Supreme Court hearing petitions against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly defended the judiciary’s right to review government actions, urging political quarters not to view such interventions through a political lens. He emphasized that legal challenges are a part of democratic processes and should not be seen as confrontational.
“Every institution has its role. The Supreme Court is empowered to review decisions taken by the Centre or state governments. We ourselves went to the court over Article 370. So what’s new if Waqf is being challenged now? This isn’t about politics—it’s about constitutional rights,” Abdullah told reporters on Monday.
He cited the Supreme Court's past handling of historic cases including the Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi to underscore the judiciary’s role as a check on legislative and executive power. “Let the SC do its work. We will wait for its verdict,” he said, calling for patience and trust in the judicial process.
On the Waqf case, Abdullah pointed out that it was the National Conference that moved the Supreme Court, which resulted in an interim relief that stalled non-Muslim involvement in Waqf affairs. “The court has already directed the Centre to step back on some points. The process is working as it should,” he added.
Responding to the BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s remarks about the apex court, Abdullah dismissed them as unnecessary and said it was not his business to comment on what a BJP member says about his own party.
Switching to the situation in Ramban, where devastating flash floods and landslides have disrupted life and damaged infrastructure, the Chief Minister acknowledged the severe conditions, especially along the Jammu-Srinagar highway. “Our Deputy CM is on the ground, and local MLAs are also present to coordinate relief. We are working on early highway restoration and mobilizing support through the PM’s relief fund and other channels,” he said.
He reassured the public in the Valley that despite the highway closure, there was no crisis of essential supplies. “The Mughal Road remains open. We have directed officials to act against hoarding and price manipulation. If necessary, police will be involved, and arrests made,” he warned. [KNT]
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