The revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, was a watershed moment in Indian history, effectively ending the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir. Executed by the BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the move bifurcated the state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without). This action scrapped Article 35A, allowing non-residents to buy property, and extended all provisions of the Indian Constitution to the region. Validated by the Supreme Court in 2023, the move aimed to curb terrorism, boost development, and ensure full integration with the Union of India.| Attribute | Details |
| Date of Revocation | August 5, 2019 |
| Key Figures | Narendra Modi (PM), Amit Shah (Home Minister) |
| Legislative Act | Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 |
| Outcome | Creation of two UTs: J&K and Ladakh |
| Key Changes | End of dual citizenship, separate flag, and Article 35A |
| Supreme Court Verdict | Upheld the abrogation on December 11, 2023 |
| Security Impact | 70% reduction in infiltration; decline in terror incidents |
Background: The Roots of Autonomy
Article 370 was drafted in 1949 as a “temporary” provision, granting Jammu and Kashmir a separate constitution, flag, and autonomy over internal administration (except defense, foreign affairs, and communications). Over decades, it became a contentious issue, often blamed for fueling separatism and hindering full integration. The BJP had long promised its abrogation, viewing it as a barrier to the “One Nation, One Constitution” ideology.
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The Move: August 5, 2019
In a swift and meticulously planned operation, Home Minister Amit Shah introduced a resolution in Parliament to revoke Article 370.
- Presidential Orders: President Ram Nath Kovind issued Constitution Order (CO) 272 and 273, effectively neutralizing the special status.
- Bifurcation: The J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 split the state into two Union Territories—Ladakh (fulfilling a long-standing demand of the region) and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Security Clampdown: To prevent unrest, the government imposed a strict lockdown, including the world’s longest internet shutdown (552 days) and the preventive detention of political leaders like Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti.
Impact and Aftermath
The abrogation brought fundamental changes:
- Legal Integration: All central laws, including the Right to Information (RTI) and Right to Education (RTE), became applicable. Article 35A, which restricted property rights to “permanent residents,” was scrapped, opening the door for outsiders to invest in land.
- Economic Boost: The government reported an investment influx of over ₹1 lakh crore and a record surge in tourism (2.11 crore visitors in 2023).
- Security Situation: While targeted killings remain a concern, official data suggests a significant drop in stone-pelting incidents and terror recruitment.
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Legal Challenges
Petitions challenging the constitutionality of the move flooded the Supreme Court. Arguments focused on whether the President could unilaterally alter the status of the state without the Constituent Assembly’s recommendation. In a historic verdict on December 11, 2023, a five-judge Constitution Bench unanimously upheld the abrogation, declaring Article 370 a temporary provision and affirming the President’s power to revoke it.
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Quick Comparison: J&K Before vs. After 2019
| Feature | Before August 5, 2019 | After August 5, 2019 |
| Status | Special State with Autonomy | Union Territory (J&K) & UT (Ladakh) |
| Constitution | Separate J&K Constitution | Constitution of India applies fully |
| Citizenship | Dual Citizenship | Single Indian Citizenship |
| Laws | Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) | Indian Penal Code (IPC) |
| Flag | Separate State Flag | Only the Tricolour (Tiranga) |
| Property Rights | Restricted to “Permanent Residents” | Open to all Indian citizens |
Curious Indian Fast Facts
- Two UTs, One Act: The reorganization created India’s first-ever Union Territory with a legislature (J&K) carved out of a state.
- End of ’35A’: Article 35A, which defined “permanent residents” and gave them special rights, was often criticized for being discriminatory against women who married non-locals. It vanished instantly with the revocation.
- Record Tourists: In 2023, J&K welcomed over 20 million tourists, the highest number since independence, signaling a return to normalcy.
- Valmiki Community: For decades, the Valmiki community in J&K could only work as sweepers due to discriminatory laws. Post-abrogation, they were granted domicile rights and can now apply for any government job.
- Cinemas Return: In 2022, the first multiplex cinema in Kashmir was opened in Srinagar, ending a three-decade hiatus on movie theaters in the valley.
Conclusion
The revocation of Article 370 was more than a legislative change; it was a geopolitical masterstroke that redefined India’s internal boundaries. While it sparked intense debate on federalism and democracy, it also paved the way for the complete emotional and constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir. As the region moves towards elections and restored statehood, the events of August 5, 2019, remain the pivot on which its future turns.
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If you think you have remembered everything about this topic take this QUIZ
Results
#1. On which historic date did the Government of India revoke Article 370?
#2. Which legislative act bifurcated the state into two Union Territories?
#3. Under the reorganization, which of the following became a Union Territory without a legislature?
#4. The Supreme Court of India upheld the abrogation of Article 370 in a unanimous verdict on:
#5. The scrapping of Article 35A removed restrictions on:
#6. The security clampdown following the revocation included the world’s longest internet shutdown lasting:
#7. Which community, previously restricted to working as sweepers, was granted domicile rights after the abrogation?
#8. According to the text, J&K witnessed a record surge in tourism in 2023 with how many visitors?
What happened to Article 370?
It was effectively nullified on August 5, 2019, by a Presidential Order, removing Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Is Jammu and Kashmir a state now?
No, it is currently a Union Territory with a legislature, though the government has promised to restore statehood at an appropriate time.
Can non-Kashmiris buy land in J&K now?
Yes, with the scrapping of Article 35A and the introduction of new domicile laws, non-residents can now purchase land in the Union Territory.
What was the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370?
In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the government’s decision, ruling that Article 370 was a temporary provision and its abrogation was constitutionally valid.
What is the difference between J&K and Ladakh now?
J&K is a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly (like Delhi), while Ladakh is a Union Territory without a legislature (centrally administered).
