india

Updated: Apr 22, 2019 23:52 IST

The Supreme Court agreed to hear a petition seeking to quash the Jammu and Kashmir government order that suspends the movement of civilian traffic on a stretch of 270 km highway from Udhampur to Baramulla once a week.

A bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi issued notice to the Centre and J&K government on a petition filed by Awami National Conference vice-president Muzaffar Shah and Yasmeen Sonaullah. The petitioner’s advocate Suhail Malik pointed out that the highway is the lifeline of J&K.

Five of 10 districts are connected through it and highways of two more districts branches out of this stretch.

Also, seven important hospitals, including three super specialty hospitals are situated on this highway. About 69 lakh people would be directly affected by the ban.

Malik said the ban violates the constitution that allows a person to move freely. Also, the petitioners said any imposition on vehicular movement can be under the National Highways (Land & Traffic) Act, 2002.

The apex court asked Centre and the state to file their replies within two weeks. Next hearing on May 6.