Indian Supreme Court’s Verdict is a Blow to Justice and International Norms

The recent verdict by the Indian Supreme Court, upholding the Modi government’s controversial decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, has been met with disappointment but not surprise, according to the Washington-based World Kashmir Awareness Forum (WKAF). In a statement, the WKAF expressed its dismay, citing previous questionable decisions by the same court, such as confirming the death sentence of Afzal Guru despite inconclusive evidence and permitting the construction of a Hindu temple in place of the Barbari Mosque.

The WKAF asserted that the court’s decision reflects a broader trend of compromised judicial independence, suggesting that legal luminaries have raised concerns about the judges’ acumen. The statement boldly challenges the expectation of a fair judgment from Indian courts, asserting that the rule of law has been buried under the rubble of BJP Hindutva ideology.

The WKAF contends that decisions in such cases are preordained within the corridors of power, leaving judges with the task of merely narrating the predetermined judgments. While this may have been anticipated, the pronouncement is described as a direct affront to nations and institutions advocating for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. The WKAF alleges that India, particularly its present government, harbors expansionist ambitions that could have far-reaching consequences for the region, involving three nuclear-powered states.

The statement underscores the international responsibility, particularly on the part of bodies like the United Nations, to dissuade India from pursuing what it deems as nefarious designs. It emphasizes that the decision contradicts UN resolutions No. 122 and No. 126 adopted in 1957, prohibiting unilateral actions aimed at altering the disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite the setback, the WKAF asserts that the decision will not deter the spirit of Kashmiris in their quest for freedom from Indian occupation. The organization paints a grim picture of the Indian judiciary, asserting that its moral fabric lies in tatters and that the rule of law has been abandoned, leaving a metaphorical jungle with hyenas roaming freely.

The WKAF challenges Indian authorities, stating that their actions will not silence the voices of freedom. It highlights the sacrifices made by the people of Kashmir and their commitment to a peaceful struggle for freedom and justice. The statement concludes by urging the world to decide whether it will allow a cataclysmic outcome or restrain India to ensure peace, tranquility, and justice in Kashmir, invoking the words of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from 2019.