The evolution of Panchayati Raj in Jammu and Kashmir has been fraught with inconsistencies, political manoeuvring, and structural inadequacies, making its trajectory more of an imposed transition than a genuine grassroots empowerment. Before August 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act of 1989 kept local governance weak, with PRIS functioning as nominal bodies devoid of real financial and administrative authority. The extension of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment post-Article 370 revocation was projected as a milestone for decentralisation, yet its implementation raises critical questions. While the introduction of Block Development Council (BDC) elections in 2019 and District Development Council (DDC) elections in 2020 increased formal political participation, deeper democratic engagement remains elusive due to persistent bureaucratic dominance, security threats, and the reluctance of state institutions to delegate complete power. Jammu and Kashmir's conflict-ridden history has bred scepticism toward these reforms, with many viewing them as top-down impositions rather than organic democratic advancements. In addition, the selective devolution of powers, financial dependencies, and political instability continue to undermine the credibility of PRIS. The increased participation of women, though notable, remains overshadowed by socio-political challenges, tokenistic representation, and security risks. This paper critically examines whether these reforms signify a meaningful shift toward genuine grassroots democracy or merely serve as a façade for central control under the guise of decentralisation.