Jammu, Feb 3, KNT: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday rejected an amendment moved by Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone related to Article 370, stating that the House had already passed a resolution on the matter.
The Speaker’s ruling came after the completion of Question Hour, when Lone raised objections to the disallowance of amendments concerning Article 370, Article 35A, restoration of statehood, and rationalisation of reservation. Lone questioned the decision to bar discussion on these issues, arguing that his amendment was intended to place the House’s position on record.
Responding to the objections, the Speaker said the Rules of Procedure clearly prohibit discussion on matters that have already been debated or on which the House has taken a formal decision. He maintained that the amendment was disallowed strictly in accordance with the rules governing Assembly proceedings.
On the issue of statehood, the Speaker clarified that the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir does not fall within the competence of the elected government, indicating that the matter lies outside the legislative authority of the House.
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Lone, however, challenged the ruling, stating that he was not seeking the passage of a law on statehood but only expressing an intention of the House regarding its restoration.
The exchange led to sharp arguments inside the House, though proceedings continued after the Speaker reiterated his ruling and moved on to the next item of business. [KNT]
