DEHLI AGREEMENT 1952 | Abolition of Articles 370 and 35A | India's dirty tricks | K.H.S

The Delhi Agreement of 1952 was a historic accord between the Government of India and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah. This agreement sought to clarify the constitutional relationship between India and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) after the state had acceded to India in 1947 under certain terms. The 1952 accord was significant in defining the state's autonomy and its integration within the Indian Union.

Key Aspects of the Delhi Agreement of 1952:

1. Autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir: The agreement underscored that J&K would retain a special status within the Indian Union. It reaffirmed that J&K would continue to have a unique position under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, granting it autonomy over internal matters, except for defense, foreign affairs, and communications, which would remain under India's control.


2. Residency Rights: The agreement preserved the special rights of permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir. This included protecting their exclusive rights to own property within the state, thus preventing non-residents from purchasing land.


3. Fundamental Rights: The Indian Constitution’s provisions for fundamental rights were extended to J&K, ensuring that the people of the state would enjoy the same rights as Indian citizens while respecting J&K’s autonomy.


4. Head of State (Sadr-e-Riyasat) and Prime Minister: The Delhi Agreement allowed J&K to retain the titles of Sadr-e-Riyasat (Head of State) and Wazir-e-Azam (Prime Minister) for its local governance heads, instead of the titles of Governor and Chief Minister used in other Indian states. These officials were, however, to be appointed by the state’s legislative assembly, with the Head of State’s appointment needing the President of India's approval.


5. Indian Citizenship: The people of Jammu and Kashmir were recognized as Indian citizens. This aspect solidified J&K’s political association with India while respecting its internal autonomy.



Outcome and Significance

The Delhi Agreement of 1952 laid a foundation for J&K’s distinct constitutional status within India, and it was initially accepted by the Indian Parliament. However, as political situations evolved, tensions arose between the central government and the J&K leadership, ultimately leading to Sheikh Abdullah's dismissal and arrest in 1953. Over time, J&K’s special status was incrementally eroded, culminating in the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.