Question

Mention two consequences of removing article 370 in Jammu-Kashmir.

Hint:

For contemporary topics like the abrogation of Article 370, focus on the constitutional articles involved (Article 370, Article 35A), the name of the reorganisation act, and the key changes in legal and administrative status.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granted temporary special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. On August 5, 2019, the Government of India issued a presidential order rendering most provisions of the article inoperative.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. End of Special Status and Full Integration: The abrogation of Article 370 meant that Jammu and Kashmir no longer had its own separate constitution, flag, or penal code (the Ranbir Penal Code). The Constitution of India and all laws passed by the Indian Parliament became directly applicable to the region, just as they are to other states. This also ended the provision of Article 35A, which had allowed the local legislature to define "permanent residents" and grant them special rights, such as in property ownership and employment.
2. Reorganization into Union Territories: Through the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the erstwhile state was bifurcated. The Jammu and Kashmir division was established as a Union Territory with a legislative assembly, similar to Delhi. The Ladakh division was established as a separate Union Territory without a legislative assembly, similar to Chandigarh. This changed the administrative and political structure of the region significantly.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The removal of Article 370 led to the complete constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union of India and its administrative reorganization from a single state into two distinct Union Territories.