The conflict between J&K Lieutenant-Governor and CM Omar Abdullah is growing

Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. File | Photo Credit: IMRAN NISSAR

As the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir completes 50 days on Thursday, the rift between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha is intensifying over several issues, including the Advocate-General’s continuation in office and the transfer of the Advocate General. officials of important departments.

It has been reliably read from senior government officials that the decision of Mr. Abdullah to allow Advocate-General DC Raina to continue to represent J&K in the courts could not happen due to Raj Bhavan’s objection.

Appointed by Governor Satya Pal Malik in November 2019, Mr. Raina resigned on October 19, 2024, days after Mr. Abdullah and his Council of Ministers have taken over the reins of J&K.

However, Mr. Abdullah rejected the resignation of Mr. Raina also decided to let him continue the work. Mr. Raina also confirmed this. However, the Advocate-General was not in court.

HC poser

On Wednesday, the J&K High Court, while hearing a petition challenging the Union Territory’s new reservation policy, observed, “Considering the nature of the case, it would be important to hear the learned Advocate-General in this regard. the case. However, the UT of J&K does not have a learned Advocate-General. “

When contacted, senior government officials said Mr. Raina is “not allowed to continue as Advocate-General” on instructions from the Raj Bhavan.

Mr. Raina has served as the Advocate-General of J&K in 2008, 2016 and 2018.

After the escalating conflict, Mr Abdullah, who returned from a trip from Saudi Arabia this week, reportedly took exception to Mr Sinha’s recent transfer to the administration.

Four days ago, four officials – three Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers and an officer of the J&K Administrative Service – were transferred to the J&K administration. Vishesh Paul Mahajan, JKAS officer, working as Deputy Commissioner of Reasi, was transferred and appointed as Director, Tourism, Jammu. Mr. Sinha has the authority to transfer only IAS officers to the administration, government sources said. They said the transfer was a bid by Raj Bhavan to “diminish the power of the elected government”. Sources say that he was considered by the development, Mr. Abdullah held a meeting of the General Administration Department (GAD) and reportedly passed orders to link the JKAS officer with the GAD.

There is no clarity in the rules

The conflict came to light after a lack of corporate laws defining the authority of the LG, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers in the newly carved out Union Territory, where elections took place after a gap of 10 years earlier this year. Official sources said the government has sent the business laws for review by constitutional experts. These will be forwarded to the Federal government for compliance.

According to the J&K Reorganization Act, the Council of Ministers will advise the LG on devolution of business to Ministers; good business dealings with the Minister, including the process to be taken if there is a difference of opinion between the LG and the Council of Ministers or the Minister.