The Centre assured the Supreme Court on Wednesday that it has no plans to interfere with the special provisions applicable to the northeastern states.
During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta conveyed to the five-judge Constitution Bench, ‘I am authorized to state this unequivocally. It’s crucial to distinguish between the temporary provision, Article 370, and the distinctive provisions concerning the North East. The Central government has no desire to make any changes to the segments that grant special provisions to the North East and other regions.’
Mehta’s statement came in response to senior advocate Manish Tiwari’s arguments before the bench. Tiwari was representing a politician from Arunachal Pradesh and was presenting a case challenging the revocation of Article 370 of the Constitution. Tiwari asserted, ‘The Constitution of India, apart from serving as a socio-political agreement, has consistently functioned as a national security blueprint. It’s not solely centered on the state’s exertion of power. Even a hint of instability in India’s periphery can yield significant ramifications before we even consider the North East.’
In reply, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud remarked, ‘Why should we delve into apprehensions when the Centre has explicitly stated its stance? Apprehensions are dispelled by the government’s declaration. Given that the Solicitor General, on behalf of the constitutional principles, has assured us of the government’s intentions, there’s no reason for us to harbor any concerns. We shouldn’t explore that domain. The effects of the abrogation – that point has been established. Let’s not concentrate on the North East. The government’s statement has put to rest any concerns.