SRINAGAR: Amid criticism over the Supreme Court hearing petitions against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah defended the judiciary’s authority to review government decisions, urging political groups not to interpret such interventions as political acts. He said legal challenges are part of the democratic process and should not be considered confrontational.
“Every institution has its role. The Supreme Court is authorised to review decisions taken by the Centre or state governments. We ourselves approached the court over Article 370. So what is new if the Waqf is being challenged now? This is not about politics—it concerns constitutional rights,” Abdullah told reporters on Monday.
He referred to the Supreme Court’s handling of past matters, including the Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi, to highlight the judiciary’s role in reviewing executive and legislative actions. “Let the SC do its work. We will wait for its verdict,” he said, urging the public to have patience and confidence in the judicial process.
Regarding the Waqf case, Abdullah said it was the National Conference that approached the Supreme Court, which led to interim relief preventing non-Muslim participation in Waqf affairs. “The court has already directed the Centre to step back on certain points. The process is progressing as it should,” he added.
In response to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s comments about the apex court, Abdullah described them as unwarranted and said it was not his place to respond to statements made within the BJP.
Turning to the situation in Ramban, where flash floods and landslides have disrupted daily life and caused damage to infrastructure, the Chief Minister acknowledged the impact, especially on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. “Our Deputy Chief Minister is on the ground, and local MLAs are also present to coordinate relief efforts. We are working on early restoration of the highway and arranging support through the Prime Minister’s relief fund and other channels,” he said.
He assured the public in the Valley that despite the highway closure, there was no shortage of essential supplies. “The Mughal Road remains open. We have instructed officials to act against hoarding and price manipulation. If needed, police will intervene and arrests will be made,” he warned. (KNT)
