Day 2 Constitution Bench Hearings

Day 2 Constitution Bench Hearing: 14 November 2019

On the fourth day of hearings in the constitutional challenge to Article 370, the Bench comprising Justices NV Ramana, Sanjay Kishen Kaul, Subhash Reddy, BR Gavai and Surya Kant directed the parties to create a common compilation of the documents they seek to rely on. Given that there are numerous parties on either side, the Bench designated one counsel each (Adv. S Prasanna for the petitioners and Adv. Ankur Talwar for the respondents) from both sides to co-ordinate and make a common compilation of the documents on behalf of the petitioners and respondents.

Thereafter, Sr. Adv. Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for some of the petitioners, requested that certain time-sensitive issues like the bifurcation of assets, transfer of assets etc. be heard urgently. Nevertheless, the Bench was not inclined to entertain this request and observed that all issues shall be heard together.

The Bench then directed the Union to file its counter-affidavit to the petition by 22 November. The rejoinder to the counter-affidavit was ordered to be completed by 29 November.

The Bench then adjourned the Article 370 matter to 10 December 2019 for final hearing.