SRINAGAR: CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam M Y Tarigami on Tuesday introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Lokayukta (Anti-Corruption) Bill, 2025 in the Legislative Assembly, seeking an independent body to probe corruption complaints against public officials, including legislators.
The Bill aimed to replace the J&K Accountability Commission Act, 2002, repealed after the 2019 reorganisation. Tarigami said the move was intended to strengthen accountability and restore public trust. “Even as a Union Territory, transparency must not suffer,” he asserted.
However, the Chief Minister said the proposal was not feasible under the current constitutional setup, citing Section 63 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which applies only to states. “As a UT, we are under the jurisdiction of the Centre. Agencies like the CBI and Enforcement Directorate already address corruption,” he stated, adding that the idea could be revisited once statehood is restored.
Tarigami questioned the lack of a timeline for statehood restoration and the absence of a dedicated mechanism to address corruption within the legislature. The Speaker noted the government’s constitutional constraints.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated that the proposal could be considered after statehood returns. Following the debate, Tarigami withdrew the Bill.
