President rule extension in J&K constitutionally valid: MHA

NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday dismissed allegations in a section of the media that Constitutional norms were not followed while extending President’s rule in Jammu & Kashmir, saying that the same was done strictly in accordance with the process laid down under Article 356 with respect to J&K.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the home ministry said proclamation of President’s rule in the Valley state was issued by the President of India on December 19, 2018 under Article 356 of the Constitution.
While the original provisions of Article 356 (4) state that a proclamation so approved shall, unless revoked, cease to operate on expiration of six months from the date of passing of the second of the resolutions approving the proclamation under Clause 3, subsequent changes to Article 356 (4) through 42nd and 44th Constitutional Amendments were not made applicable to J&K.
“Therefore, the original provision of Article 356 (4) was applicable to Jammu and Kashmir,” said the ministry.
The Proclamation dated December 19, 2018, was approved by Lok Sabha on December 28, 2018 and by Rajya Sabha on January 3, 2019. “ Therefore, the Proclamation of the President’s Rule in Jammu and Kashmir was due to expire on 3rd July 2019, i.e. six months from 3rd January 2019,” the home ministry pointed out.
Lok Sabha approved continuance of the proclamation of President’s rule dated December 19, 2018, for a further period of six months beyond July 3, 2019, on June 28. The same was then approved by the Rajya Sabha on July 1, 2019.