Mohammad Akbar Lone Affirms Oath to Uphold Indian Constitution Amid Article 370 Controversy
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In a recent development, Mohammad Akbar Lone, the National Conference leader and Member of Parliament, has submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court. This move comes as a response to the apex court’s direction, following concerns raised by a Kashmiri Pandits’ organization,
“Roots in Kashmir”.
The organization had pointed out that Lone had previously voiced slogans in favor of Pakistan during a session in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly.
Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, expressed grave reservations about Lone’s past statements. He emphasized the need for Lone to officially declare, through an affidavit, his allegiance to India’s complete sovereignty and his denunciation of any terrorist or separatist activities in Jammu & Kashmir. In response to these concerns, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Lone, mentioned that if his client had made such remarks, he certainly regretted them.
Lone’s affidavit, spanning a single page, underscores his commitment as
“a responsible and dutiful citizen of the Union of India.”
He highlighted his right to approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Indian Constitution. The affidavit distinctly states,
“I reiterate the oath taken while being sworn in as a Member of Parliament to preserve and uphold the provisions of the Constitution of India and to protect the territorial integrity of the nation.”
However, the Solicitor General wasn’t entirely satisfied with the contents of the affidavit. He suggested that Lone should further clarify his stance by adding,
“I do not support terrorism, I do not support any separatist activity and no citizen in this country can logically say that.”
As the discussions around the abrogation of Article 370 were wrapping up, the Solicitor General remarked,
“This is adding insult to injury to the nation.”
He further implored the Court to make observations about Lone’s conduct, stating,
“Your lordships may read what is not written.”
The Chief Justice of India responded by assuring that the bench would thoroughly review the affidavit. The Constitution Bench has reserved its judgment on the case.
