J&K govt tells Assembly it is examining issue of bringing anti-defection law for DDCs

Jammu : The Jammu & Kashmir Government on Monday disclosed that it is examining the issue of bringing an anti-defection law for district development councils (DDCs) in the Union Territory.

Responding to a cut motion of PC MLA Sajad Gani Lone, as per news agency, Minister in-charge Rural Development Department, Javaid Ahmad Dar informed the House that legal opinion on bringing an anti-defection law for DDCs has already been sought.

“ Legal opinion has already been sought in the matter and on the basis of legal opinion, the Government is examining the issues of introducing an anti- defection law for DDCs,” the minister said.

The government said that no action could be taken against DDC members on the basis of absence of an anti-defection clause in the Panchayat Raj Act/ Rules 1989.

“It was noted that the J&K Municipal Act, 2000, under section 18A, provides for disqualification of municipal members for defection,” the minister said.

The DDC elections were held for the first time in 2020 in J&K—(KNO)