President’s rule in J&K extended by six months

SRINAGAR — Centre has extended the President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir by another six months.

President’s rule was imposed for six months in the State on January 03 this year after Parliament approved the proclamation and the term comes to an end on July 03.

The State plunged into a political crisis in June 2018, after People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government was reduced to a minority following withdrawal of support by the 25-member Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the State.

Since the State has a separate Constitution, in such cases, six months of Governor’s rule is compulsory under Article 92 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, under which all the legislative powers are vested with the Governor.

The Governor has to dissolve the Legislative Assembly after six months. The State then directly comes under President’s rule for another six months after which elections have to be held in the State.

In case the elections are not declared, President’s rule can be extended by another six months.

No presidential proclamation shall, in any case, remain in force for more than three years except for the intervention of Election Commission of India which has to certify that the continuance in force of the proclamation is necessary on account of difficulties in holding General elections to the Legislative Assembly.

As per reports, Amit Shah had also held deliberations over extension of President’s rule in the State with State Governor, Satya Pal Malik and top brass of his Ministry on June 02 in New Delhi and given sufficient hints for extension of President’s rule.