Jammu, August 11, 2025 :
The Government of India (GoI) has submitted its formal reply to the Public Interest Litigation challenging the Lieutenant-Governor’s (LG) authority to nominate five members to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly without the aid and advice of the elected government.

The PIL, filed by senior advocate and Congress spokesperson Mr. Ravinder Kumar Sharma, contests the constitutionality of the provisions in the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, as amended in 2023. The petitioner argues that the nomination of five MLAs beyond the sanctioned strength of 114 Assembly seats — comprising 90 elected and 24 reserved for Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) areas — violates the basic structure of the Constitution. He contends that these nominations have the potential to alter the balance of power, effectively converting a minority government into a majority or vice versa, which is impermissible.

Senior Supreme Court advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi is appearing for the petitioner in this case.

Next Steps in the Case
Mr. Sharma, responding to media queries following the submission of the GoI’s reply, stated that the government’s response came at the eleventh hour after multiple opportunities to file it. He affirmed the petitioner’s intention to examine the reply closely with senior lawyers and file a rejoinder before the court schedules the final hearing.

“The next hearing on August 14 will focus on fixing the date for the final hearing after completing the pleadings,” Mr. Sharma said.

Legal Issue Framed by the High Court
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court had earlier framed the core legal question on whether Sections 15, 15A, and 15B of the Reorganisation Act — which empower the LG to nominate additional members beyond the elected Assembly strength — violate the Constitution’s basic structure. The court directed the GoI and the LG to file detailed replies, which were awaited until now.

The petitioner maintains that the current provision effectively circumvents democratic principles by allowing the LG to independently nominate members without the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, thus undermining the elected government’s authority.

Political and Constitutional Implications
The amendments to the J&K Reorganisation Act were introduced to provide representation to displaced Kashmiri migrants, PoJK residents, and women in the Assembly, groups that may otherwise remain underrepresented.

However, critics argue that these powers might be misused to influence the composition and control of the legislature, raising important questions about the limits of constitutional authority and federal principles within Union Territories.

Jammu, August 11, 2025:
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified before the Jammu and Kashmir High Court that the Lieutenant-Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir holds exclusive statutory authority to nominate five members to the Union Territory’s Legislative Assembly without requiring the “aid and advice” of the elected government or the Council of Ministers.
This declaration came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the constitutional validity of the recent amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which empower the LG to nominate additional members beyond the elected strength of the Assembly.
Background of the Amendment and the PIL
In 2023, the Parliament amended the 2019 Act to allow the LG to nominate five members to the J&K Legislative Assembly. These include three members representing displaced Kashmiri migrants (two of whom must include a woman) and the Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) community, as well as two women members if the LG deems that women are inadequately represented.
The amendment increased the Assembly’s sanctioned strength from 114 to 119 seats, with 24 seats reserved and kept vacant for areas under PoJK administration.
Congress leader Ravinder Kumar Sharma filed the PIL questioning the constitutional validity of these nominations. The petitioner argued that such provisions could alter the government’s majority and potentially violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
Ministry’s Stand: LG’s Role is Independent and Statutory
In an affidavit submitted on July 24, 2025, the MHA emphasized that the office of the Lieutenant-Governor is a separate constitutional and statutory authority, distinct from the elected government of the Union Territory.
The affidavit states, “Once the Parliament bylaw recognises the Lieutenant-Governor as a distinct authority from the government of Union Territory under Parliamentary enactment, it necessarily follows that when a power is conferred upon the Lieutenant-Governor, then the same must be exercised as a statutory function and not as an extension of his duties as the head of the UT Government.”
It further clarifies that the nomination power granted to the LG under the amended provisions of the J&K Reorganisation Act is to be exercised in his discretion, without the “aid and advice” of the Council of Ministers.
The Ministry also highlighted that the total sanctioned strength of the Assembly includes the nominated members, not just the elected 114 seats. This interpretation aligns with the provisions of the Union Territories Act, 1963, applicable to other Union Territories such as Puducherry.
Government’s Argument on the PIL
The Ministry termed the petition as “academic” because the feared scenario, where nominated members could influence the formation or fall of the government, had not arisen so far.
The affidavit also noted that the petitioner failed to substantiate the claim that the nominations exceeded the sanctioned strength or violated constitutional provisions. The Ministry stated, “The Petitioner has not provided any cogent legal basis or statutory interpretation to support such a distinction, and the submissions in this regard remain misconceived and unsustainable in law.”
Court Proceedings and Political Context
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court had sought the Union government’s detailed response after hearing the PIL on October 21, 2024. The case is now scheduled for further hearing on August 14, 2025.
The election for the 90 seats in the J&K Assembly was held in September-October 2024, with the results declared on October 8. The National Conference-Congress alliance emerged with a strong majority, reshaping the political landscape of the Union Territory.
Significance of the Nominations
The nominated seats aim to ensure representation for displaced Kashmiri migrants, the PoJK community, and women — groups that otherwise may face underrepresentation in the Assembly.
The MHA’s stand underlines the constitutional design where the LG, as the constitutional head of the UT, holds certain independent powers to safeguard inclusivity and representation within the legislative framework.

Srinagar, Aug 11 : The Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister has directed the Food Safety Department to launch a stringent drive against the sale of substandard meat and other food products.

The directions came during a high-level meeting on market regulation chaired by the CM on Monday

According to the Office of the Chief Minister, in a post on X as per media, the CM stressed that consumer health and safety must be the top priority, and no compromise would be tolerated when it comes to food quality.

The Food Safety Department has been instructed to conduct surprise market inspections, particularly targeting meat sellers, and to ensure that all products meet prescribed hygiene and quality standards. Violators will face strict legal action, including fines and closure of establishments.

The CM also called for coordination between municipal bodies, police, and market regulators to ensure that the crackdown is effective and sustained. Citizens have been urged to report any instance of suspected substandard or unhygienic meat to the concerned authorities.

From past one week, concerns have been raised over the sale of low-quality and unhygienic meat in several districts of J&K, prompting demands for tougher enforcement of food safety laws. The latest directives are part of a broader effort by the government to improve public health standards and restore consumer confidence in local markets.

Two Jammu and Kashmir Police Sub-Inspectors were killed, while another was injured in a road accident in Nowgam area of Srinagar during the intervening night of August 10-11, officials told the news on Monday.

They said a speeding KIA vehicle bearing No. JK21H-1919 hit a road divider at Tengen Bypass, near Nowgam and went out of control and met with the accident.

They said three Sub-Inspectors of J&K Police sustained injuries in the accident. “The injured were shifted to a hospital, where doctors declared two of them as brought dead, while the third is undergoing treatment,” the officials said.

The deceased were identified as Sachin Verma of 23 Bn IRP, presently posted at Pantha Chowk, and Shubam Sait of 21 Bn IRP posted at Awantipora for. The injured has been identified as Mastan Singh of 23 Bn IRP.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident.

Kulgam, Aug 10: In response to the rising incidents of monkey nuisance across several villages in District Kulgam, the Department of Wildlife Protection, Devsar, has issued a public advisory urging residents to extend their full cooperation in mitigating the threat. Officials have reminded the public that monkeys are wild animals with unpredictable behaviour, particularly when provoked, cornered, or habituated to human food.

Precautionary Measures for Residents:

1.Refrain from Feeding Monkeys Feeding encourages them to frequent human settlements and fosters aggressive tendencies.

2.Dispose of Waste Properly – Use sealed, monkey-proof bins; do not leave food waste in open spaces.

3.Secure Food Sources Indoors Keep fruits, vegetables, and cooked food away from open areas, balconies, or near windows.

4.Keep Entry Points Shut – Secure doors and windows, especially during early mornings and evenings.

5.Remain Calm Around Monkeys Avoid direct eye contact, sudden movements, or threatening gestures.

6.Avoid Moving Alone in Affected Areas – Children and elderly should be accompanied.

7.Do Not Chase or Capture – Such actions can provoke aggression and result in injuries.

8.Trim Overhanging Branches – Prevent rooftop access via nearby trees.

Protection of Agriculture:

Timely Harvest – Do not leave ripe crops in the field for long.

Natural Deterrents – Use scarecrows, reflective tapes, and noise-making devices.

Barrier Crops – Plant less attractive crops on the periphery of fields.

Field Vigilance – Implement rotational guarding during crop ripening.

Community Cooperation – Coordinate with neighbouring farmers for synchronized protection.

In Case of an Attack:
Officials advise residents to remain composed, back away slowly without turning their back, protect the face and head, and seek immediate medical treatment, including anti-rabies vaccination.

The Department has appealed for collective community action to ensure both human safety and the humane management of the monkey population.

Srinagar, Aug 10 : A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel was critically injured after allegedly shooting himself at the Yatra Transit Camp in Panthachowk on Sunday morning.

Offical sources informed that gunshots were heard from inside the camp, prompting police along with other security personnel to rush to the spot.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Head constable C-62 Battalion, a resident of Basani, district Lakhisarai in Bihar, had allegedly fired shots on himself, sources said.

He was immediately shifted to PCR Kashmir in a critical condition for urgent medical attention, sources added.

Cognizance has been taken and further investigation started.—