SRINAGAR: The Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday said no discussion would be allowed on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as the matter is sub judice.As the proceedings of the House began, members of the National Conference stood up and demanded a discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed by Parliament.
JK Assembly Bars Waqf Bill Talks Over Pending Court Case
“There should be a discussion on the Waqf Bill in the Muslim-majority region of Jammu and Kashmir. If the GST law introduced by the Centre was discussed in the J&K Assembly, why can’t the Waqf Bill be discussed?” NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq asked.The Speaker responded that the matter is now sub judice, as it has been challenged in the highest court of the country.
Quoting sub-rule (7) of Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the House, the Speaker said that he had disallowed the adjournment motion moved by members of the National Conference and Sheikh Khursheed.The Speaker’s decision led to protests from legislators of the National Conference, Congress, and PDP.
Shouting slogans such as “Waqf Bill Na Manzoor” (Waqf Bill is unacceptable), legislators from the treasury benches attempted to move towards the well of the House but were stopped by the Marshals.
As the disruptions continued, the Speaker adjourned the House for 15 minutes.
This was the first time during the ongoing budget session that the Speaker adjourned the House. (KNO)