Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD) The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has defended provisions empowering Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor to nominate five members to the Legislative Assembly, saying the move is vital for ensuring inclusivity and adequate representation of marginalised communities.
In its affidavit to the J&K High Court, the MHA said the LG’s discretionary authority—granted under Sections 15, 15-A, and 15-B of the J&K Reorganisation Act—aims to give voice to groups such as women, Kashmiri migrants, and displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, who may lack sufficient electoral representation due to decades of conflict and displacement.
Rejecting a petition by Congress leader Ravinder Sharma challenging the provisions, the MHA termed the plea “politically motivated” and “premature,” stressing that fears of the nominations altering Assembly majorities had not materialised in the 2024 elections. The Centre maintained the measure is both lawful and necessary to ensure the concerns of historically under-represented communities are not overlooked in the democratic process.(DD)