Srinagar, July 24: The Committee on Privileges of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Friday deferred the appearance of MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para in a breach of privilege case, fixing August 7, 2026, as the next date of hearing.

The meeting was chaired by MLA Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi at the Legislative Assembly Complex and was attended by members of the committee, including legislators Showkat Hussain Ganie, Khurshied Ahmad, Zafar Ali Khatana, Vijay Kumar, Rajeev Kumar and Darshan Kumar.
The Committee considered a written communication submitted by Para on July 23, in which he expressed his inability to appear due to his scheduled appearance before the NIA Court, Jammu, in another matter.
Para requested adjournment of his appearance, assuring the Committee of his full cooperation and willingness to appear on any other date fixed by it.
Taking note of the circumstances, the Committee observed that the reason cited by the MLA was genuine and unavoidable and accepted his request for deferment. His fresh appearance date has been fixed for August 7.
During the meeting, the Committee highlighted the constitutional significance of legislative privileges and immunities granted to members under Article 194 of the Constitution of India, which enable legislators to perform their duties independently and without hindrance.
Secretary Legislative Assembly Manoj Kumar Pandita briefed the Committee about the powers, privileges and immunities of members, along with their role in maintaining the dignity and effective functioning of the Legislature.
The Committee reiterated that such privileges are essential for safeguarding the authority and independence of the Legislative Assembly as a key institution of democracy.
Officials from the Assembly Secretariat were also present during the meeting.