Supreme Court Decision on Jammu and Kashmir MLAs Nomination Sparks Political Debate
In Jammu, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravinder Raina praised the Supreme Court for dismissing a plea against the Lieutenant Governor’s (LG) power to nominate five MLAs to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Raina accused the Congress Party and the National Conference of attempting to undermine the Constitution. He explained that the nomination of these MLAs is part of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, which was debated and passed in Parliament, and is a constitutional process.
Raina criticized the Congress for allegedly disregarding the Constitution and applauded the Supreme Court for its decision. Meanwhile, Congress leader Ravinder Sharma stated that the Supreme Court has allowed them to take their concerns to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. Sharma questioned the LG’s power to nominate MLAs without consulting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Supreme Court, with Justices Sanjiv Khanna and PV Sanjay Kumar, declined to hear the plea and directed the petitioner, Ravinder Kumar Sharma, to approach the High Court. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the LG’s nominations could undermine the electoral process. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and its 2023 amendment, grant the LG the authority to nominate five members, including women and migrants, to the assembly. These nominated members will have equal voting rights as elected MLAs. The Congress, National Conference, and PDP have opposed this move, viewing it as a threat to democracy.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions on legal issues and ensures that laws are followed correctly.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It has its own assembly and is known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
MLAs -: MLAs are Members of the Legislative Assembly. They are elected representatives who make laws and decisions for a state or region.
LG -: LG stands for Lieutenant Governor. In some regions like Jammu and Kashmir, the LG is a representative of the central government and has certain powers.
BJP -: BJP is the Bharatiya Janata Party, a major political party in India. It is one of the two largest parties in the country.
Congress -: Congress is another major political party in India. It has been one of the oldest and most influential parties in the country.
National Conference -: The National Conference is a political party in Jammu and Kashmir. It has been active in the region’s politics for many years.
Reorganisation Act -: The Reorganisation Act refers to a law that changed the status and governance of Jammu and Kashmir. It allows the LG to nominate members to the assembly.