Centre Proposes Article 371(K) for Ladakh, Land & Ecology Central to Autonomy Debate

Centre Proposes Article 371(K) for Ladakh: Directly Elected Body with Legislative Powers

The Centre has proposed adding Article 371(K) to the Constitution to grant Ladakh a directly elected governing body with legislative powers over land, culture, forests, and natural resources. This marks a potential shift from the Sixth Schedule model used in the Northeast and is the first such special provision for a Union Territory. The proposal remains a draft, with key powers like police and finance still under negotiation.

MHA Proposes Chapter K Under Article 371: Elected Body for Ladakh UT

The MHA has proposed a new constitutional provision under Article 371 (Chapter K) to establish an elected body with legislative powers for the Union Territory of Ladakh. This is a major structural reform addressing demands since Ladakh lost its special status in 2019, with key implications for federalism and UT governance.

Centre Proposes Sui Generis Model for Ladakh Under Article 371(K), Needs 2/3 Parliament Majority

The Centre has proposed a unique 'sui generis' governance model for Ladakh, distinct from statehood or a UT with legislature. The new framework will be embedded via a constitutional amendment under Article 371(K), requiring a two-thirds majority in Parliament. This is a key development for aspirants tracking special provisions and Union Territory governance.

Bihar, Jharkhand Sign Sone River Water MoU; Marks 4th Inter-State Water Agreement in 2026 under Cooperative Federalism

Bihar and Jharkhand signed an MoU for sharing Sone river water, resolving a long-pending dispute. This is the fourth inter-state water agreement in 2026, highlighting the government's push for cooperative federalism. The agreement will benefit lakhs of farmers in Bihar and Jharkhand districts.

CWMA Chairperson Proposes River Board for Cauvery; River Boards Act 1956 Still Unused

Cauvery Water Management Authority chairperson proposes creating a river board for the entire Cauvery basin, bypassing state boundaries. The River Boards Act of 1956 has never been implemented, highlighting a key governance gap in inter-state water management. This is crucial for understanding federal water disputes and the need for integrated basin management.

MHA Seeks Input on Composition of Proposed Ladakh UT-Level Body Under Article 371(K)

The Centre is proposing a unique governance model for Ladakh under Article 371(K), avoiding statehood or full legislature. This has implications for federalism, constitutional amendments, and special provisions for regions. MHA's questionnaire seeks specifics on the new body's composition and powers, indicating progress in negotiations.

Mahanadi Water Dispute: Odisha-Chhattisgarh CMs Meet July 30, 2026; Tribunal Gives Final Chance by April 20, 2026

After a decade-long legal battle, the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh met on July 30, 2026 under Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute amicably within three months. The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) had earlier given a final opportunity on April 20, 2026 for a consensus, failing which it would proceed with adjudication. This is crucial for understanding inter-state river water disputes, cooperative federalism, and the ISRWD Act, 1956.

Centre to SC: Foreign National Deportation Requires Home Country Nationality Confirmation

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that a foreign national whose nationality is unverified cannot be deported until their home country confirms nationality and agrees to accept them. This affidavit was filed in a plea challenging the indefinite detention of persons declared foreigners in Assam without prospects of deportation.