New Delhi, Aug. 14 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday said that the ground realities in Jammu and Kashmir must be considered while examining the issue of restoring statehood to the Union Territory.

"You also have to take into consideration the ground realities; you cannot ignore what has happened in Pahalgam," a bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran observed, referring to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

The court was hearing a plea filed by academician Zahoor Ahmad Bhat and socio-political activist Ahmad Malik seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The apex court sought a response from the Centre and posted the matter for hearing after eight weeks.

Solicitor General Tushar ...