A different story of Indian federalism: Jammu and Kashmir

This article embraces comparative law to consider some of the moments that, in over 70 years, led from the granting to the revocation of the autonomy of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). It argues that the epilogue of this path, that is, the controversial move by the Indian Government on 5th August 2019, is not at all surprising, as often described. Rather, it represents only the last and foretold moment of the progressive erosion of Kashmir’s federal asymmetry, crystallized in Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, and carried out by governments of different political colours, with the endorsement of the Supreme Court. Ultimately, the trajectory of J&K does not resemble that of Indian federalism, proving to be a different story important to be recorded.