Mudasir Kaloo
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government has kicked off the process to implement 106 central laws in Jammu and Kashmir from November 1.
This follows the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the state into two union territories.
Acts related to Right to Education, National Commission for Minorities, Protection of Whistleblowers, National Council for Teacher Education, Land Acquisition, National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens are some of the key laws which will now be applicable in the state.
The Indian Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Indian Evidence Act will also apply in the restive state.
The other important criminal laws that would be implemented include National Security Act, Prevention of Corruption Act, Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and The Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill, 2019 also allows the transfer of immovable property in favor of non-permanent residents of the state.
Among the personal laws, Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 and the Special Marriage Act enacted by Parliament would also be applicable in J&K.
All the government departments have started preparations for implementing the laws in the restive state.
“The officers have been told to study laws which come under their jurisdiction before implementation,” a source in the Law Department told this reporter.
“The departments have also been told to make relevant changes in the documents based on these central laws. There will be a lot of changes on official records as per the new laws,” the source added.
Sources said Law Department has been directed to provide assistance to different departments for the implementation of central laws.
“The advocate general and additional advocate generals will also help departments for making necessary amendments in their rules,” said an official.
Sources said anti-graft bodies shall have to work under Prevention of Corruption Act, which was not earlier applicable in the state.
Earlier Jammu and Kashmir had its own constitution given its special status in the Indian Union under Article 370. Except matters related to defence, external affairs and communications, all central legislations and laws would be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir only with the concurrence of the state legislature.
