Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday moved again an application in the Supreme Court seeking adjournment on hearing the petitions challenging the vires of Article 35A, which defines permanent residents of the state.

“The state has sought an adjournment in the matter slated to be heard on Aug 31 on account of the ongoing preparation for the upcoming panchayat, urban local body and municipal  elections in the state of jammu and kashmir,” a law department official said.

Earlier state had moved same plea before the apex court and was later adjourned by the SC.

The adjournment plea was moved by the states standing counsel.

Four petitions demanding scrapping of the provision are listed for hearing on Monday before a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud.

The main petition was filed by a Delhi-based NGO “We the Citizens”. Later, three petitions filed by West Pakistan Refugees Action Committee, Dr Charu Wali Khanna, and Kali Dass were clubbed together.

Article 35A was added to the Constitution of India by a Presidential Order in 1954.