As per the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, after a bill is passed by the Legislative Assembly, it is presented to the ____________.

The correct answer is Lieutenant Governor.

Key Points

• As per the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, after a bill is passed by the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, it is presented to the Lieutenant Governor for assent.
• The Lieutenant Governor (LG) has three options: provide assent, withhold assent, or reserve the bill for consideration of the President of India.
• This process aligns with the governance structure of Union Territories, where the LG acts as the representative of the President.
• The J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, reorganized the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir (with a Legislative Assembly) and Ladakh (without a Legislative Assembly).
• The LG of J&K enjoys powers similar to those of a Governor in states but under the framework of a Union Territory.

Additional Information

• J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019
  • It was passed by the Indian Parliament in August 2019 to abrogate the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and bifurcate it into two Union Territories.
  • The two Union Territories created were Jammu & Kashmir (with a Legislative Assembly) and Ladakh (without a Legislative Assembly).
  • The Act came into effect on 31 October 2019.
• Powers of Lieutenant Governor in J&K
  • The LG has the authority to promulgate ordinances when the Legislative Assembly is not in session.
  • In matters where the President directs, the LG must act in consultation with the Central Government.
• Comparison with Governor
  • While the Governor is the head of a state, the Lieutenant Governor is the head of a Union Territory.
  • The LG in a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly (like J&K or Delhi) has enhanced executive powers compared to a Governor of a state.
• President's Role in J&K Bills
  • If the LG reserves a bill for the President's consideration, the President has the final authority to either assent to the bill or withhold it.
  • This ensures that certain legislative matters align with national interest and constitutional framework.