Omar Abdullah's campaign for J&K Statehood restoration
The restoration of J&K's statehood and the debate over the constitutional powers of Union Territories versus States directly touch upon core GS2 topics regarding Indian federalism and Centre-State relations.
Notes
Supreme Court Directive: The Supreme Court directed the Central Government to restore Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest.
2024 Assembly Resolution: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed a resolution in 2024 seeking the return of special status with constitutional guarantees.
Constitutional Position of Union Territories vs States: Unlike a full-fledged State, a Union Territory has limited administrative powers, with most authority and executive rights vested in the Central Government and the Lieutenant Governor (Lok Bhavan). Statehood is essential to negotiate the delineation and demarcation of powers with the Centre.
Questions
Examine the constitutional framework governing Union Territories with legislatures in India. How does their legislative and executive authority differ from that of full-fledged States?150 words
Restoring statehood to a Union Territory involves balancing security considerations with the imperatives of constitutional democracy and asymmetric federalism. Discuss in light of constitutional provisions and relevant judicial directives.250 words
Prelims
Regarding the constitutional authority and administrative framework of Union Territories in India, which of the following statements is correct?
A Union Territory holds identical constitutional standing to a State when negotiating the delineation of powers with the Centre.
In a Union Territory, major administrative powers and rights are substantially vested in the Central Government and the Lieutenant Governor.
A Legislative Assembly resolution of a Union Territory automatically grants it Statehood without Parliamentary legislation.
Union Territories exercise exclusive legislative powers over the Concurrent List without Central intervention.