Jammu, Apr 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday witnessed high drama and heated exchanges after the Speaker disallowed an adjournment motion moved by the National Conference seeking a debate on the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025. The Speaker ruled out any discussion on the matter, stating that the issue is sub-judice as it has been challenged in the Supreme Court.
Trouble began as soon as the budget session resumed, with NC legislators rising from their seats and demanding a discussion on the Waqf Bill recently passed by the Parliament. NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq questioned why a law like GST could be debated in the House but not the Waqf Bill, especially in a Muslim-majority region like Jammu and Kashmir.
“There should be a discussion on the Waqf bill in this House. If a central law like GST was open for deliberation, then why is this bill being treated differently?” Sadiq asked while pressing for the adjournment motion.
However, the Speaker cited sub-rule (7) of Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the House, stating that any matter under judicial consideration cannot be debated in the Assembly. He therefore announced his decision to reject the motion moved by NC and independent MLA Sheikh Khursheed.
The Speaker’s ruling immediately sparked loud protests from opposition parties including the NC, Congress and PDP. Amid anti-government slogans and chants of “Waqf Bill Na Manzoor,” opposition legislators attempted to storm the well of the House. Marshals had to intervene to prevent them from reaching the Speaker’s podium.
The commotion led to the Speaker adjourning the Assembly proceedings for 15 minutes — the first such adjournment in the ongoing budget session.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025 has been a contentious issue since its passage in Parliament, with many regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir claiming it infringes on religious and administrative autonomy. The NC has openly opposed the bill, citing the state’s Muslim-majority character and arguing that local institutions should retain control over religious endowments and properties.
Tensions are expected to remain high as opposition parties have vowed to continue resisting the bill. Political analysts believe the ongoing row could further deepen the divide between regional parties and the ruling establishment over religious and legislative autonomy in the region. [KNT]
