NEW DELHI: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed uproar on Monday over the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Act. The chaos unfolded after the National Conference (NC)-led alliance government reiterated its intent to bring a resolution opposing the Act, which has now become law following its passage in both Houses of Parliament and Presidential assent.
Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather cited Rules 56 and 58(7), mentioning that issues sub-judice cannot be discussed via adjournment motions. “This matter is currently before the Supreme Court. We cannot proceed with any such motion,” he said.
In response to Speaker’s refusal, slogans were raised in the assembly.
Leader of opposition Sunil Sharma lashed out at the NC’s move, calling it “highly unconstitutional.” He said, “Parliament has passed the bill, the President has given assent, and it is now law. The matter is with the judiciary, and this Assembly has no authority to debate or discuss it. Doing so would violate constitutional norms.”
PDP leader Waheed Para said, “When Article 370 and CAA were there in the court, we had brought a resolution, many states had brought it and today we want to register our protest against the Waqf Bill, but unfortunately, the Speaker rejected the resolution. They are playing a mix match. By not opposing this bill today, it has been shown that the Jammu and Kashmir government is compromising on the issues of Kashmir and Muslims.”
The Rajya Sabha cleared the Bill in the early hours of Friday after nearly 17 hours of debate, with 128 votes in favour and 95 against. The Lok Sabha had passed it earlier in the week after a 13-hour marathon session.
Earlier on Wednesday, Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including the NC and the PDP, have strongly opposed the legislation, calling it “unconstitutional” and detrimental to the interests of the Muslim community.
“This bill is designed to disempower Muslims,” said PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti. “We’ve seen for the past 10–11 years how Muslims are lynched and mosques demolished… I don’t expect anything from the BJP, but I urge our Hindu brethren to step forward. This is Gandhi’s nation and must run as per the Constitution.”
