Which of the following is/are true regarding features of Constitution of India?

1) Head of the state i.e., Governor of J&K is nominated by the President of India.

2) High Court of J&K can issue writs only for the enforcement of fundamental rights and not for any other purpose.

3) Urdu is the official language of the state.

a. 1, 2

b. 1, 3

c. 2, 3

d. All of the above

ANSWER: 2, 3

Explanation:

Some features of Constitution of J&K are -

It vests the executive powers of the state in the Governor appointed by the president for a term of five years.

It provides for a council of ministers headed by the Chief Minister to aid and advise the governor in the exercise of his functions.

The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the assembly.

Under the original Constitution of J&K (1957), the head of the state and head of the government were designated as Sadar-i-Riyasat (President) and Waziri-Azam (Prime Minister) respectively.

In 1965, they were re-designated as governor and Chief Minister, respectively.

Also, the head of the state was to be elected by the state assembly.

It establishes a High Court consisting of a Chief Justice and two or more other judges.

They are appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the state.

The High Court of J&K is a court of record and enjoys original, appelate and writ jurisdictions.

However, it can issue writs only for the enforcement of fundamental rights and not for any other purpose.

It provides for Governor’s Rule.

Hence, the governor, with the concurrence of the President of India, can assume to himself all the powers of the state government, except those of the High Court.

He can dissolve the assembly and dismiss the Council of Ministers.

The Governor’s Rule can be imposed when the state administration cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the J&K Constitution.

It was imposed for the first time in 1977.

Notably, in1964, Article 356 of the Indian Constitution (dealing with the imposition of President’s Rule in a state) was extended to the state of J&K.

It declares Urdu as the official language of the state.

It also permits the use of English for official purposes unless the state legislature provides otherwise.

It lays down the procedure for its amendment.

It can be amended by a bill passed in each house of the state legislature by a majority of two-thirds of the total membership of that house.

Such a bill must be introduced in the assembly only.

However, no bill of Constitutional Amendment can be moved in either House if it seeks to change the relationship of the state with the Union of India.