Episode 25 | How has the legal system in Jammu and Kashmir changed after October 31?

121 days of communication blockade since August 5, postpaid mobile services restored, internet and prepaid mobile services still down

The August 5th decision of the Indian government to abrogate Article 370 meant that a new political and legal system has been put into place in Kashmir. Does that mean existing laws before October 31st, specific to Kashmir are to be replaced by laws applicable to the rest of the country? How will the new union territory adapt new laws and which are the laws that will be repealed or retained? 

We will discuss these questions in detail with Kashmiri Journalist Quratulain Rehbar who has taken a look at the most contentious laws, those which have a dubious history in Kashmir, specifically the Public Safety Act and Armed Forces Special Powers Act. 

Included are excerpts from interviews with Advocate Wajid Ahmed where he speaks about how laws before October 31st are being integrated into the new legal system; Advocate Mir Urfi where she speaks about how new laws such as UAPA are being applied in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and with Professor Wani, where he explains the manner in which PSA has been used in Kashmir.