HC moved for observing Nov 17 as J-K Republic day

Khan also sought directions that all constitutional authorities should hoist the state flag on government buildings and cars

A petition has been filed in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court seeking directions to the state government to observe November 17 as the state's Republic Day.

Abdul Qayoom Khan, a former Forest Department officer, filed the PIL through his counsel Z A Shah in the high court yesterday in which he sought directions to the government for celebrating November 17 as the Republic Day of the state.

The petition has been filed on the basis that Jammu and Kashmir has a separate Constitution, which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 17, 1956.

Khan also sought directions that all constitutional authorities including the Governor, High Court Judges, Cabinet Ministers Ministers of State should hoist the state flag on government buildings and cars within and outside the state.

The petitioner has pleaded that not hoisting the flag by constitutional authorities is a breach of the state constitution and law as is in vogue in Jammu and Kashmir, which has a separate Constitution and flag.

"By not caring to unfurl and hoist the state flag by the constitutional authorities, (my) feelings are hurt apart from the fact that it constitutes serious breach of the provisions of law," Khan said in the PIL.