In an open letter addressed to Chief Justice of India, they urged the Supreme Court to take up hearings into issues like CAA, Abrogation of Article 370, farm laws, continued misuse of UAPA etc

Over 200 civil society leaders have written a joint petition to the Chief Justice of India requesting listing of important pending constitutional matters including CAA, Abrogation of Article 370, farm laws, continued misuse of UAPA etc.

“We request you to consider constituting Benches of appropriate strength as a matter of great urgency, to hear the cases concerning these and other constitutional matters, which are pending before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, some for over two years,” they wrote.

“These cases affect the daily lives of very large sections of the populace, in addition to being issues of national importance. Early disposal of these Constitution cases will restore the faith that we as citizens repose in the judiciary and the Supreme Court,” they said.

Here is the full text of the letter:

Respected Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens from various fields, approaching you regarding non-listing as also pending adjudication in the Hon'ble Supreme Court on several urgent matters affecting citizen's fundamental rights, as also matters of national importance.

The recent appointment of nine judges to the Supreme Court, bringing the Judge strength up to 31, is undoubtedly a welcome development. While it has deservedly received wide public approbation, it has also raised public expectation of adjudication on long-pending cases which have deeply affected people's lives, livelihoods and communities.

It is learnt from the Supreme Court website, accessed on 01.11.2021, that among the 421 Constitutional Bench matters cases pending before 5, 7 and 9-judge Benches, there are 49 main matters and 372 connected matters, as on 01.10.2021.

The following urgent matters are pending hearing and judicial decision:

1. Abrogation of Article 370, without due Parliamentary process

2. Continuing misuse of UAPA, which is already under challenge

3. Citizenship Amendment Act

4. Farm Laws; SC appointed expert committee's report submitted in March, 2021, but case yet to be heard

5. Sedition law IPC Sec.124

6. Breach of fundamental rights with regard to personal privacy, inherent in matters relating to:

1. Pegasus

2. Aadhaar

7. Electoral Bonds & transparency in election financing.

8. Rafale fighter aircraft deal

We request you to consider constituting Benches of appropriate strength as a matter of great urgency, to hear the cases concerning these and other constitutional matters, which are pending before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, some for over two years.

These cases affect the daily lives of very large sections of the populace, in addition to being issues of national importance. Early disposal of these Constitution cases will restore the faith that we as citizens repose in the judiciary and the Supreme Court.

With respectful regards and best wishes,

Yours faithfully,

.........................................