SC asks NC leader to file affidavit affirming allegiance to Constitution

The Supreme Court has asked National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Lone, the lead petitioner challenging the abrogation of Article 370, to swear allegiance to the Constitution of India in writing. Lone was asked to file an affidavit by Tuesday after the Centre's top law officer alleged that he had raised pro-Pakistan slogans in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2018.The Supreme Court on Minday ordered Lone to file an affidavit that he owes allegiance to the Constitution."We want to have it from Akbar Lone that he unconditionally accepts that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that he abides by and owes allegiance to the Constitution of India," a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said. 
Lone will file the affidavit by Tuesday, senior advocate Kapil Sibal told a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. The senior lawyer said he will not represent Lone if he does not file the affidavit as sought by the bench. "He is an MP of Lok Sabha. He is citizen of India and sworn to his office by the Constitution. He accepts the sovereignty of India," Sibal said.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre in the Supreme Court, said that Lone should file an affidavit in court.Mehta's statement came after Senior Advocate Bimal Jad, appearing for an organisation of Kashmiri Pandits, told the bench, "These petitioners cannot be allowed to be a part of this case." The affidavit by the collective of Kashmiri Pandits, Roots in Kashmir, had questioned how Lone, who is a sitting MP, made pro-Pakistan slogans in the state assembly and other places.He also urged the bench to take the affidavit on record, further adding that the MP's actions might affect "our efforts at normalcy."