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  • Jun 30, 2021
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Critically analyse the “delimitation exercise in Jammu & Kashmir” along with the events leading to it.

Introduction:

Government of India revoked the special status granted under article 370, to Jammu & Kashmir region in August 2019. After this, Jammu & Kashmir was made a union territory by passing the J&K reorganisation act. Ladakh was also made as a union territory during this process.

 Body:

Previously it was announced that fresh elections would be conducted after the delimitation process in the region. A delimitation commission(DC) was setup to redraw the boundaries of the region.

Delimitation process: 

it refers to fixing the boundaries of a given area for conducting elections. Delimitation commission is a high power body which is assigned such tasks.  It is also called as boundary commission. Previously DC has been set up 4 times in the years 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002.

Composition of the DC

It consists of three members for each state or union territory. The three members are:

The DC is appointed by the President and its decisions cannot be questioned in court of law. The articles related to DC are article 82 and article 170.

 Conclusion:

Fresh elections are expected to be conducted in the region. Historically, elections were conducted on the grounds of religion in the region. It has to be noted that J&K was the only state in India with muslim majority. Some opposition parties have also raised objections for the process. If the intentions are free & fair elections, voters need not panic and choose their leaders intelligently.