The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the elections in Jammu and Kashmir can take place at any time, depending on the decision of the Election Commission (EC). The statement was made in response to a PIL challenging the delay in holding polls in the region since the abrogation of Article 370. The Centre stated that the decision to conduct elections in J-K lies with the EC and the government has no role to play in it. The Court has given the EC six weeks to file an affidavit regarding the schedule for holding elections in the Union Territory. The PIL argues that the continued suspension of democratic processes in J-K is a violation of the rights of its residents. It further alleges that the delay in conducting elections is a means to exercise control over the region. The petition also claims that if elections are not held now, it could lead to a constitutional crisis. The Centre has maintained that it is committed to conducting fair and timely elections in J-K and the decision to do so rests with the EC. The EC is expected to file its response to the PIL within the given timeline.