JAMMU, Feb 24: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, issued a firm reminder today regarding the procedural rules governing the publicity of legislative notices, emphasizing that no notice should be made public until it has been formally admitted. His remarks come in response to recent instances where members have publicized notices before they were officially accepted.
Citing Rule 368 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the J&K Legislative Assembly, Rather stressed that no member or any other person is permitted to publicize a notice until it has been admitted by the Speaker and circulated among members. He further noted that a similar provision exists under Rule 334-A of the Lok Sabha’s procedural guidelines.
“A notice of a question should not be given publicity before the day on which it is answered in the House. Premature disclosure of legislative matters, including questions, adjournment motions, and resolutions, undermines the parliamentary process,” the Speaker stated.
Drawing from the Commentary on Practice and Procedure of Parliament by M.N. Kaul and S.L. Shakdher—both renowned authorities on legislative conduct—Rather highlighted that parliamentary conventions strictly discourage premature press coverage of legislative business. “If such breaches occur, the Speaker has the authority to express displeasure and take appropriate action,” he warned.
Referring to recent remarks made by PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, Rather remarked, “I regret to say that she has not been properly advised. Her statement contradicts established parliamentary rules and conventions.”
The Speaker pointed out specific instances of procedural violations, including:
Publication of questions before their formal admission and response in the House.
Premature disclosure of answers to questions before they are laid on the table.
Publicizing notices of adjournment motions or resolutions before they are admitted or mentioned in the House.
Rather expressed his disappointment over the unprecedented nature of such breaches. “This is the first time members have engaged in such practices. I have conveyed my displeasure, but if this continues, I will be compelled to take action as per the rules,” he cautioned.
The Speaker’s remarks reinforce the importance of upholding parliamentary decorum and ensuring that legislative processes are conducted with due adherence to established rules and conventions.