The tenure of the Governor's rule in Jammu and Kashmir will expire on December 19, official sources said. The Central government is most likely to impose President's rule in the state as there is no provision for the extension of Governor's rule under the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir.

A popular government is unlikely to formed in the state, anytime under the current assembly, an official source told PTI.

The Governor's rule was imposed in the state in June 19 after the BJP withdrew support from the then Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had told PTI last month that he was in favour of holding early elections in the state as he did not think a popular government can be formed out of the present House.

No party enjoys a majority in the 87-member Assembly, in which the PDP has 28 MLAs, the BJP 25 and the National Conference 15.

President’s rule can be imposed after the Union Cabinet, headed by the prime minister, makes a recommendation to the President to this effect following a report of the governor.

If President’s rule is imposed, it will be effectively a “fresh spell” of central rule even though it would be like an extension of the current spell of Governor’s rule, the source said.

Under such circumstances, there is no need for the central government to get parliamentary nod for extension of central rule beyond December 19.

Governor’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir is imposed under Section 92 of the state’s Constitution, President’s rule is imposed under 356 of the Constitution.

Therefore, practically, the central government would not be required to get the approval from both Houses of Parliament for extension of central rule in Jammu and Kashmir if its rule is extended beyond December 19, another source said.