BJP leaders' remarks on Article 370 tantamount to contempt of court: Omar Abdullah

 Srinagar, Aug 9 (PTI) National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the Centre should wait for the Supreme Court's decision on Article 370's abrogation rather than "threatening" it, saying remarks by some BJP leaders over the sub-judice matter "almost tantamount" to contempt of court.

His comments came after Union minister Smriti Irani, while participating on the debate on the no-confidence motion against the central government in the Lok Sabha, said "Article 370 will never be restored".  

Abdullah said he feels surprised to hear such remarks from responsible BJP leaders.

"The issue is before the SC, let the SC take a decision. Why are they threatening the SC? A Union minister has made such remarks today in Parliament that they will never allow it to happen. We are waiting for the SC's decision, they should also do it. Do they feel their case is so weak that they feel the need to threaten? It is regretful. It is almost tantamount to the contempt of court," he said. 

Asked if there is hope after arguments put forth by senior lawyer Kapil Sibal in the top court, Abdullah said while the arguments have been strong, the government has not replied so far.