India almost 'parallel' to several developed countries: Constitutional expert

With India celebrating its 71st Republic Day on January 26, senior Supreme Court lawyer and a an expert on Indian Constitution SP Singh on Saturday said that India has witnessed various transformations over the years and is now "parallel" to several developed countries.

New Delhi:With India all set to cross its 70th Republic Day on January 26, senior Supreme Court lawyer and an expert on Indian Constitution SP Singh on Saturday said that India has witnessed various transformations over the years and is now "parallel" to several developed countries.

"After adopting the Constitution...after Independence, there were various tasks (to accomplish), first was to remove poverty, (attain) there should be stability, acquisition of scientific technology, to begin the developmental process in various fields, including the judicial system, agriculture system, irrigation system, and also in defence. We are in 2020 now... we are parallel to various developed countries," Singh told ETV Bharat.

The expert added,"I remember, under PL-480 scheme, American wheat was in the market,and people were not liking it. We were not sufficient in rice, but now we are exporting rice to several countries. Similar are the developments in the industrial sector as well as science and technology. A dynamic change has also taken place in the social equilibrium."

When asked about his view on the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir guaranteed under Article 370, Singh said, "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, certain portion of Kashmir has been occupied by Pakistan, which is wrong, as we are the ruler of that part of the country. So abrogation of Article 370 is correct. It was a temporary provision. Political parties who were being benefitted by the application of Article 370 are creating hue and cry over the issue."

On the Supreme Court's verdict on petitions challenging the curbs imposed in the Kashmir Valley, including the continued internet shutdown since August 5, Singh said, "Supreme Court's order is perfect under these circumstances. I welcome the judgement."

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered a review of the Central government's decision to the clampdown that was imposed on the eve of the August 5 followed by revocation of Article 370 that gave the erstwhile state its special status.

The court also directed the Centre to publish all prohibitory orders in force, future orders under Section 144 of the CrPC and orders suspending telecom services, including the internet, so that affected citizens can challenge them in the high court or another appropriate forum.

On the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) pushing the Citizenship (Amendment)Act despite widespread protests across the nation, Singh said, "There should not be politics in granting of citizenship. There should be maximum restraint by both Opposition and the ruling party."