Proclamation of Shreeman
Indar Mohinder Rairajeshwar Maharajadhiraj
Shree Harisingh Ruler of Jammu
and Kashmir and Dependencies
5th March, 1948
Legal
Document No 118
In accordance with the traditions of my dynasty I have,
from time to time, provided for increasing association of my people with
the administration of the State with the object of realising the goal of
full Responsible Government at as early a date as possible and in pursuance
of that object have, by the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution Act of 1996
(xiv of 1996) established a Constitutional Government with a Council of
Ministers, a Legislature with a majority of elected members and an independent
Judiciary;
I have noted with gratification and pride the progress so far made and
the legitimate desire of my people for the immediate establishment of a
fully democratic constitution based on adult franchise with a hereditary
Ruler from my dynasty as the Constitutional Head of an Executive responsible
to the legislature;
I have already appointed the popular leader of my people Sheikh Mohammad
Abdullah as the Head of the Emergency Administration;
It is now my desire to replace the Emergency Administration by a Popular
Interim Government and to provide for its powers, duties and functions,
pending the formation of a fully democratic Constitution.
I accordingly HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS;
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My Council of Ministers shall consist of the Prime Minister and such other
Ministers as may be appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister. I have
by Royal Warrant appointed Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as the Prime Minister
with effect from today.
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The Prime Minister and other Ministers shall function as a Cabinet and
act on the principle of joint responsibility. A Dewan appointed by me shall
also be a member of the Cabinet.
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I take this opportunity of giving once again a solemn assurance that all
sections of my people will have opportunities of service, both civil and
military, solely on the basis of their merits and irrespective of creed
or community.
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My Council of Ministers shall take appropriate steps, as soon as restoration
of normal conditions has been completed, to convene a National Assembly
based upon adult suffrage, having due regard to the principle that the
number of representatives from each voting area should, as far as practicable,
be proportionate to the population of that area.
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The Constitution to be framed by the National Assembly shall provide adequate
safeguards for the minorities and contain appropriate provisions guaranteeing
for the freedom of conscience, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
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The National Assembly shall, as soon as the work of framing the new constitution
is completed, submit it through the Council of Ministers for my acceptance.
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In conclusion I repeat the hope that the formation of a popular Interim
Government and the inauguration, in the near future, of a fully Democratic
Constitution will ensure the contentment, happiness and the moral and material
advancement of my beloved people.
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