Speaker Clarifies Limit on Assembly Oversight, Bars Queries on Departments Under LG’s Control
Srinagar, Oct 29, KNT: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather has clarified that legislators are not permitted to raise questions concerning departments that fall under the administrative control of the Lieutenant Governor, as per the provisions of the J&K Reorganization Act.
The clarification came after AIP MLA Sheikh Khursheed sought to question the government over delays in ex gratia payments under SRO-43, which provides compensation to families of civilians and officials killed in acts of violence. The MLA had asked for an explanation regarding pending cases and the timelines for settlement of claims.
Interrupting the query during question hour, the Speaker stated that the matter could not be taken up in the Assembly since it pertained to the Home Department, which functions directly under the Lieutenant Governor’s jurisdiction. “Any question that involves administrative control of the LG cannot be entertained in the Assembly,” he ruled.
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Following the Speaker’s directive, the question was formally deleted from the proceedings.
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The Speaker reiterated that his ruling was consistent with the constitutional framework governing the Union Territory, under which the Lieutenant Governor retains executive control over police, public order, and certain administrative departments. [KNT]
