'Jammu And Kashmir Not One-Of-A Kind. What About Punjab And Northeast?': SC On Article 370 Hearings

Questioning the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, the Constitution Bench stated that Jammu and Kashmir was not one-of-a-kind and the situation was similar in Northeast India and Punjab. 

On day 12 of the hearings, arguments were raised around the need to bifurcate the State while the apex court pointed out that the move was "misused" after it was conceded to the Central government.

Justice SK Kaul, who was part of the five-judge constitutional bench led by Justice Chandrachud, pointed out that the country has many states with borders. In response, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that not all neighbouring countries are friendly and share a similar history like Jammu and Kashmir, which gains its significance given the politics of the State. 

"It is not one of a kind situation," added Justice Kaul. "We have seen the northern border of Punjab -- very difficult times. Similarly, some states in the northeast... Tomorrow if there is a scenario that each of these states face this problem...," he added, according to a report by NDTV.