Supreme Court Declines Plea Against LG's Power in J&K Assembly Nominations

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the authority of Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor to appoint five nominated MLAs. The petitioner was advised to approach the Jammu and Kashmir High Court first. The move has faced criticism from major political parties in the region.

The Supreme Court, in a significant legal decision on Monday, dismissed a plea questioning the authority granted to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir to nominate five Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the region's Union Territory Assembly.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and PV Sanjay Kumar directed the petitioner, Ravinder Kumar Sharma, to take the matter first to the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This directive came despite senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi's arguments pointing out that the LG's nominations, not being directly elected, could potentially undermine the democratic electoral process.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019, along with a 2023 amendment, empowers the LG to appoint two women, two migrants (including one woman), and one member from displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to the assembly. These appointed MLAs will possess the same voting rights as elected members, a move opposed by parties like the Congress, NC, and PDP as an 'assault on democracy'.

(With inputs from agencies.)