Jammu, Feb 3: 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 adopted a resolution on the issue.
The ruling came after Question Hour when Lone objected to the disallowance of his amendments concerning Article 370, Article 35A, restoration of statehood, and rationalisation of reservation. He argued that the amendment was meant to formally place the House’s intent on record.
Responding, the Speaker said the Rules of Procedure bar discussion on matters already debated or decided by the House. He maintained that the amendment was disallowed strictly in accordance with Assembly rules.
On the issue of statehood, the Speaker clarified that restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir does not fall within the competence of the elected Assembly, as it lies outside its legislative authority.
Lone contested the ruling, stating that he was not seeking legislation on statehood but only expressing the intent of the House regarding its restoration.
The disagreement led to sharp exchanges in the House before proceedings resumed after the Speaker reiterated his ruling and moved on to the next item of business.
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