The Supreme Court, on 8 August, gave the final opportunity to the Jammu and Kashmir government to file a reply within three months on the issue of Muslims being a minority in the state.
A bench, comprising Chief Justice JS Khehar and Justices AK Goel and DY Chandrachud, considered the submission of the central government that it needed more time to hold consultations with the state government and other stakeholders, if any.
Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the government has been holding consultations at various levels and eight weeks more time be granted to it to apprise the court about their stand on the PIL.
The Supreme Court heard the plea filed by Ankur Sharma, questioning the minority status of Muslims in Kashmir, as ANI reported.
Earlier, the Centre and state governments had been instructed by the apex court to deal with the issue jointly.
The court imposed a cost of Rs 30,000 on the Centre for failing to file a reply to PIL that minority benefits are being enjoyed by the majority Muslims in the state, in February.
Ankur Sharma, the Jammu-based lawyer argued that the minority benefits being accrued by the Muslim majority were depriving the minorities.
Sharma has sought the formation of a minority commission in the state and an extension of the National Minority Commissions Act to Jammu and Kashmir.
(With inputs from PTI)
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