Which Article of the Indian Constitution accords special status to the State of Jammu and Kashmir?

Article 371
Article 361
Article 360
Article 370

The correct answer is: Article 370

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is a provision that grants special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was originally included in the Constitution at the time of India’s independence in 1947, and it has been amended several times since then.

The main provisions of Article 370 are as follows:

  • The state of Jammu and Kashmir has a separate constitution and a flag.
  • The President of India has the power to make laws for the state with the concurrence of the state government.
  • The state has its own legislature and judiciary.
  • The state does not have to follow the Indian Penal Code or the Indian Evidence Act.
  • The state has its own citizenship laws.
  • The state has its own land laws.
  • The state has its own financial arrangements.

Article 370 has been controversial since its inception. Some people believe that it is necessary to protect the unique culture and identity of Jammu and Kashmir. Others believe that it is an outdated provision that should be repealed.

In August 2019, the Indian government revoked Article 370. This decision was met with widespread protests in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has said that the revocation of Article 370 is necessary to bring Jammu and Kashmir into line with the rest of India. However, critics have said that the move is an attempt to erode the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and to suppress the Kashmiri people.

The future of Article 370 is uncertain. The Indian government has said that it is open to dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but it has not indicated whether it is willing to restore Article 370. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are waiting to see what the future holds for their state.

Here is a brief explanation of each option:

  • Article 361 prohibits the Parliament from making any law that takes away or abridges the privileges and immunities of the President, Vice-President, Governors, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members, and judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
  • Article 360 deals with financial emergency. It empowers the President to declare a financial emergency if he is satisfied that a grave financial situation exists whereby the financial stability or credit of India is threatened.
  • Article 370 grants special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.