JammuKashmir – Assembly Speaker Bars Key Amendments on Constitutional and Statehood Issues

JammuKashmir –  The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed a sharp procedural disagreement on Monday after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather declined to admit a set of amendments proposed by Peoples Conference president and MLA Sajad Gani Lone, citing established rules of the House.

The decision came shortly after the conclusion of Question Hour, when Lone raised objections over the exclusion of his amendments from the day’s legislative business. The rejected proposals pertained to Article 370, Article 35A, the restoration of full statehood, and changes to the existing reservation framework—subjects that have remained politically sensitive since the reorganisation of the former state into a Union Territory.

Speaker Cites Assembly Rules

Responding from the Chair, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather explained that the amendments were not allowed because Assembly rules do not permit discussions on matters that have already been deliberated upon or decided by the House. He maintained that the decision was procedural in nature and not a reflection on the importance of the issues raised.

The Speaker further reminded members that the Assembly had passed a resolution in the previous year addressing the question of restoring the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Since the House had already formally expressed its position on the matter, reopening the same issues through amendments was not permissible under the existing framework of rules.

Lone Raises Objection Over Exclusion

Sajad Gani Lone strongly objected to the Speaker’s ruling, arguing that the proposed amendments dealt with matters of exceptional public importance. He said issues such as constitutional guarantees, political rights, and socio-economic safeguards could not be treated as routine legislative subjects.

According to Lone, excluding such amendments from discussion undermines the role of the Assembly as a representative institution. He stressed that the elected House remains the most appropriate and legitimate forum to debate concerns that directly affect the identity, rights, and future of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Call for Floor Discussion

Lone urged the Chair to reconsider the decision and allow the amendments to be taken up on the floor of the House. He asserted that legislative debate is essential, particularly on matters that continue to generate public concern and political discourse across the Union Territory.

He further argued that the evolving political and administrative context warranted fresh discussions, even if similar issues had been raised earlier. In his view, democratic accountability requires space for repeated scrutiny of decisions that carry long-term implications.

Reference to Earlier Resolution

In reiterating his position, Speaker Rather referred to the resolution passed by the Assembly last year, which called for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. He said that once the House has adopted a resolution on a subject, the rules prevent parallel or repetitive debates through amendments.

The Speaker emphasized that adherence to procedure is essential for the orderly functioning of the legislature. He added that the Chair is bound to uphold the rules uniformly, regardless of the political significance attached to any proposal.

Political Significance of the Dispute

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions within the Assembly over how far legislators can push for renewed debate on constitutional and governance issues. While opposition members continue to press for broader discussions, the Chair has maintained a strict interpretation of procedural limits.

The episode reflects the larger political climate in Jammu and Kashmir, where questions surrounding constitutional status, statehood, and representation remain central to legislative and public discourse.