Tensions Soar as Speaker Rejects Adjournment Motion on Controversial Legislation
Srinagar, 07 April 2025: Legislative Turmoil Unfolds
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly descended into chaos on Monday as National Conference (NC) legislators staged a dramatic protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The uproar began when Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejected an adjournment motion filed by NC members, citing the sub judice status of the matter. The decision sparked outrage among the ruling party’s MLAs, who tore copies of the Waqf Act and stormed the well of the House, calling the legislation a “betrayal of the people’s mandate.”
The Waqf Act: A Contentious Issue
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, recently passed by Parliament and signed into law by President Droupadi Murmu, has been a lightning rod for controversy in Jammu and Kashmir. Critics argue that the legislation undermines the autonomy of Waqf properties, which hold significant religious and cultural importance for the Muslim community.
NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq, who led the adjournment motion, described the Act as “an attack on the identity and rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s Muslim-majority population.” He added, “This law is unacceptable, and we will not allow it to be implemented without a fight.”
Speaker’s Decision Sparks Protests
The chaos erupted when Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather refused to entertain the adjournment motion, citing Rule 58, which prohibits discussions on matters that are sub judice. “The Waqf Act is currently under judicial review, and as per legislative norms, it cannot be debated in the Assembly,” the Speaker stated.
The decision was met with fierce resistance from NC legislators, who accused the Speaker of stifling democratic debate. “This is not just about the Waqf Act; it’s about the erosion of our democratic rights,” said NC leader Nazir Gurezi.
Dramatic Scenes in the Assembly
As the Speaker announced his decision, NC MLAs, joined by Congress and independent legislators, began chanting slogans such as “Ban karo Waqf Bill” (Ban the Waqf Bill) and “Modi Sarkar hai, hai” (Down with Modi Government). The protests escalated when NC MLAs Hilal Lone and Salman Sagar tore copies of the Waqf Act and flung them into the air.
The pandemonium forced the Speaker to adjourn the House twice—first for 15 minutes and then for an additional 20 minutes. Despite the adjournments, the protests continued, with MLAs wearing black armbands and staging a sit-in near the Speaker’s podium.
Opposition Joins the Fray
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Congress also voiced their opposition to the Waqf Act, accusing the NC-led government of failing to take a strong stand against the legislation. PDP leader Waheed Para called the Act “a betrayal of the state’s mandate” and criticized the Speaker’s decision to reject the adjournment motion. “If resolutions on Article 370 and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) could be debated despite being sub judice, why not the Waqf Act?” Para questioned.
Congress MLA Irfan Hafeez Lone echoed similar sentiments, stating, “This is a violation of constitutional norms and an affront to the democratic process. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve better.”
Political Fallout
The uproar in the Assembly underscores the deep divisions within Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. While the NC-led government has positioned itself as a defender of minority rights, opposition parties accuse it of playing a “fixed match” with the BJP-led central government.
The BJP, for its part, defended the Waqf Act, arguing that it aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties and prevent misuse. “The NC is politicizing this issue to divert attention from its governance failures,” said BJP leader Sunil Sharma.
What’s Next?
With the Assembly set to reconvene on Tuesday, tensions are expected to remain high as legislators continue to push for a debate on the Waqf Act. The incident has also reignited broader discussions about the role of regional assemblies in addressing laws passed by Parliament, particularly those affecting minority communities.
