J&K: The Jammu Kashmir Assembly witnessed a disruption on Monday as Speaker ruled out a discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025, citing the matter as sub-judice. The decision sparked protests from legislators of the ruling National Conference, Congress, and PDP, leading to a brief adjournment of the House.
As the assembly proceedings commenced, National Conference MLAs, led by Tanvir Sadiq, vocally demanded a discussion on the Waqf Bill, which had recently been passed by Parliament. Sadiq emphasized the importance of discussing the bill in a Muslim-majority region like Jammu Kashmir, questioning why it was permissible to debate the GST law but not the Waqf Bill.
#WATCH | Jammu: Ruckus in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as NC (National Conference) MLAs protest against the Speaker for not allowing their adjournment motion on the Waqf Amendment Act
— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2025
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said, "…I have seen the rules and as per Rule 58, no matter which is… pic.twitter.com/zXBnuCOugz
In response, the Speaker clarified that the bill is currently under judicial review in the Supreme Court, invoking sub-rule (7) of Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the House. He subsequently disallowed an adjournment motion proposed by National Conference legislators.
The Speaker’s ruling incited uproar among the opposition, with lawmakers shouting slogans such as “Waqf Bill Na Manzoor” (Waqf Bill is unacceptable). Tensions escalated as legislators attempted to breach the well of the House, but were restrained by marshals. As disruptions continued, the Speaker made the decision to adjourn the House for 15 minutes—the first such instance during the ongoing budget session.
Also Read: President Droupadi Murmu Grants Assent To Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, Law Comes Into Effect
