Satya Pal Malik, the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on August 5, 2025, at the age of 79.

His tenure was marked by the momentous and controversial decision of the Indian government to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.

Born on July 24, 1946, in Hisawada village of Uttar Pradesh, Malik began his political journey as a student leader and was influenced by socialist ideologue Ram Manohar Lohia. He had a long and varied political career, having been associated with several political parties, including the Bharatiya Kranti Dal, Lok Dal, Janata Dal, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Malik was appointed the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2018. It was during his governorship, on August 5, 2019, that the Centre revoked the special status of the state and bifurcated it into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. This decision was a cornerstone of the BJP's agenda and remains a deeply debated issue in Indian politics.

Following his term in Jammu and Kashmir, which ended in October 2019 with the reorganization of the state, Malik was appointed as the Governor of Goa and later of Meghalaya. In the latter part of his career, he became a vocal critic of the central government on several issues, including the handling of the 2019 Pulwama attack and the farmers' protests.

After his J&K tenure, he was transferred to Goa (2019–20) and later to Meghalaya (2020–22). Malik was also known for becoming a vocal critic of the BJP, despite being a senior party leader for part of his career. His later years saw him entangled in controversy, including a corruption probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2025, which he claimed was retaliation for his whistleblowing activities.

His political career also saw him serve as a Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, a Member of the Lok Sabha, and a Member of the Rajya Sabha. Before his gubernatorial roles, he also held the position of Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism in 1990. Malik's career was characterized by his outspoken nature and his presence at the center of a pivotal moment in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.

Satya Pal Malik’s most significant achievements as governor center on his pivotal role during some of the most consequential moments in recent Indian political history, especially as the last Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.

1. Oversaw the Abrogation of Article 370:

   Malik’s tenure as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (August 2018 – October 2019) is historically noted for the abrogation of Article 370, which ended the state’s special constitutional status on 5 August 2019. This move also led to the bifurcation of the state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, marking a fundamental restructuring of the region’s relationship with the Indian Union.

2. First Politician to Serve as J&K Governor in Five Decades:

   His appointment itself was significant; Malik was the first career politician appointed as J&K Governor in over fifty years, a position usually occupied by retired civil servants, military officials, or diplomats, reflecting the political importance and sensitivity of his tenure. His experience was seen as instrumental for handling the evolving political scenario in the region.

3. Governance During a Tumultuous Period:

   Malik navigated the governorship through a period that included local body elections, security challenges (including the Pulwama attack), and increased central government intervention. He openly commented on government lapses related to major incidents like the Pulwama attack and was known for his transparency even while holding a constitutional office. His revelations regarding claimed security and intelligence lapses drew national attention and debate.

4. Other Gubernatorial Tenures:

   While his term in Jammu and Kashmir overshadows others, Malik also served as Governor of Bihar, Goa, and Meghalaya. In these roles, he is credited with encouraging greater transparency and often acted as an outspoken critic of corruption and maladministration.

5. Advocacy for Farmers and Critique of Central Policies (Later Years):

   Even after exiting gubernatorial roles, Malik remained prominent for his strong support of India’s farmers during the 2020-2021 protests, and his public opposition to the BJP’s farm laws furthered his image as an independent and principled constitutional functionary.

Malik's governorship is most clearly defined by his stewardship during the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional status—a change that continues to have wide-reaching legal, social, and political ramifications in India.