How the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly evolved from princely origins to union territory

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The legislative history of Jammu and Kashmir spans nearly a century, shifting from the Maharaja's Praja Sabha to a modern union territory assembly. This transformation involved major constitutional overhauls, the abolition of an upper house, and a complex delimitation process that redefined how the region's diverse population is represented today.

The legislative journey began in 1934 with the establishment of the Praja Sabha by Maharaja Hari Singh. This initial body comprised 33 elected, 30 nominated, and 12 ex-officio members. Political dynamics shifted rapidly in the following years; by 1939, the Muslim Conference rebranded as the National Conference under Sheikh Abdullah, eventually leading to the 1951 constituent assembly elections where the party secured every seat.

A significant structural change occurred in 1957 when a new constitution introduced a bicameral legislature, featuring both a Legislative Assembly and a Legislative Council. This system persisted for decades until the Parliament of India passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act in August 2019. This legislation abrogated Article 370, which had granted the region special status, and reconstituted the state into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Consequently, the Legislative Council was formally abolished on 31 October 2019.

Modern representation is shaped by the Delimitation Commission, formed in March 2020 and chaired by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The final report, which came into force on 20 May 2022, adjusted seat distributions to account for regional demographics. The assembly now features 90 elected seats, with additional provisions for nominated members. Specifically, the Lieutenant Governor can nominate up to five members, including representatives for Kashmiri migrant families and those from Pakistan-administered Kashmir, ensuring specific groups have a voice in the unicameral house.

Today, the assembly operates with a five-year tenure, a departure from the six-year terms used prior to 2019. The current legislative framework also incorporates reservations, with the 2023 amendment providing seven seats for Scheduled Castes and nine for Scheduled Tribes. These changes reflect a deliberate effort to balance representation across the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, where population density and regional interests remain central to the political landscape.

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