Uproar in Assembly as Speaker Blocks Waqf Act Debate, Session Adjourned After Heated Exchange
Speaker Disallows Discussion on Waqf Amendment, NC and PDP Storm Well of House
Jammu, 07-04-2025: In a development that sparked uproar in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the Speaker on Monday firmly ruled out any discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, stating that the matter is currently sub-judice and hence cannot be debated within the House. The announcement led to strong protests from members of the National Conference (NC), Congress, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), culminating in a temporary adjournment of the session.
The controversy erupted immediately after the House assembled for the day’s proceedings. Members of the National Conference, led by MLA Tanvir Sadiq, vociferously demanded that the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025—legislated by the Parliament—be brought up for discussion, especially in the context of Jammu and Kashmir’s Muslim-majority demographic. “If the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, introduced by the Centre, was permitted for discussion in this Assembly, why is the Waqf Bill being excluded?” Sadiq questioned, echoing sentiments shared by other members of the Opposition.
In response, the Speaker maintained that the matter is under judicial consideration and thus, as per the legislative rules, cannot be deliberated upon at this stage. Citing sub-rule (7) of Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the Speaker made it clear that he has disallowed the adjournment motions submitted by NC legislators and independent MLA Sheikh Khursheed, emphasizing the procedural constraints.
The ruling did not sit well with members of the Opposition. Legislators from the NC, Congress, and PDP rose from their seats in protest, chanting slogans such as “Waqf Bill Na Manzoor” (Waqf Bill is unacceptable), and demanded immediate reconsideration of the Speaker’s decision. Tensions escalated as several members attempted to approach the well of the House. However, Marshals deployed on the floor intervened, preventing the lawmakers from reaching the Speaker’s podium. Despite repeated appeals for order, the disruptions continued, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the House for 15 minutes. This marked the first adjournment of the ongoing budget session.
