Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019
Constitutional Background
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 was enacted under Article 3 of the Constitution (which empowers Parliament to form new states and alter boundaries), read with Article 370's special procedure. The Act bifurcated the state effective October 31, 2019 into: (i) J&K UT with a legislature; and (ii) Ladakh UT without a legislature. Ladakh comprises the districts of Leh and Kargil. The Act was challenged in the Supreme Court; in December 2023, a five-judge Constitution Bench upheld the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation, while noting the commitment to restore statehood to J&K at an appropriate time. No similar commitment was recorded for Ladakh.
- Article 3: Parliament may form new states, increase/decrease areas, alter boundaries — by a simple majority.
- Article 370: Special provisions for J&K — abrogated via Presidential Order in August 2019, upheld by SC in December 2023 (In Re: Article 370 of the Constitution).
- Ladakh UT: No legislature; LG is the sole constitutional authority; Leh and Kargil have Hill Development Councils under the Ladakh Hill Development Council Act, 1997.
- Hill Development Councils: Leh and Kargil each have an elected Hill Council with limited developmental powers — not equivalent to a legislature.
● Tracked since May 22, 2026 · last seen August 10, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes