SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday said that it is examining the possibility of introducing an anti-defection law for district development councils (DDCs) in the Union Territory.
Responding to a cut motion by PC MLA Sajad Gani Lone, Minister in charge of the Rural Development Department, Javaid Ahmad Dar, informed the House that legal opinion on the matter has already been sought.
“Legal opinion has already been sought, and based on that, the government is examining the issue of introducing an anti-defection law for DDCs,” the minister said.
The government clarified that no action could be taken against DDC members due to the absence of an anti-defection clause in the Panchayati Raj Act/Rules of 1989.
“It was noted that the JK Municipal Act, 2000, under Section 18A, provides for the disqualification of municipal members for defection,” the minister said.
The DDC elections were held for the first time in J&K in 2020. (KNO)
