In a momentous legal battle, the Supreme Court is gearing up to hear a batch of 20-odd petitions challenging the Central government's decision to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to the former State of Jammu & Kashmir, on July 11. The high-stakes case will be presided over by a distinguished Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, accompanied by Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant.

It has been nearly four years since the momentous revocation of Article 370, and over 20 petitions have been patiently waiting for their day in court. The contentious move led to the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

The upcoming hearing is not only expected to draw significant public attention but also holds the key to resolving a heated debate among legal experts. During the last listing in March 2020, a crucial decision was made not to refer the petitions to a seven-judge Constitution Bench, despite some petitioners advocating for such a reference. The contention arose due to conflicting judgments - Prem Nath Kaul v. State of Jammu & Kashmir and Sampat Prakash v. State of Jammu & Kashmir - both delivered by five-judge benches, interpreting Article 370.

Now, the anticipation mounts as the Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice Chandrachud, will be revisiting this critical issue. The nation awaits their verdict, which could have far-reaching implications for Jammu and Kashmir's historical status and the broader constitutional landscape.

Adding an intriguing twist to the already captivating case, the Court will also address the question of whether bureaucrat Shah Faesal can withdraw his petition. The outcome of this inquiry could further impact the proceedings and raise new questions about the complexity of the matter.

With the stage set for this momentous legal showdown, the entire nation will be eagerly watching as the highest court of the land delves into the heart of the matter, ready to deliver a verdict that will undoubtedly shape the course of history. July 11 is marked as a date of tremendous significance, and it could be a turning point for the contentious issue of Article 370's abrogation."