J&K considering anti- defection law for DDCs, Legal opinion sought on matter

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 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 after the Central Government carried out amendments in J&K Panchayati Raj Act-1989.
Three seats in District Development Councils (DDCs) are currently vacant following the election of their representatives— Irfan Hafiz Lone, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, and Mehraj Malik— as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs)