JAMMU, Feb 24: Responding to recent publicity surrounding notices issued by certain members, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, emphasized today that according to the established rules and conventions, no notice should be publicized until it has been admitted by the Speaker.
The Speaker stated, “As outlined in Rule 368 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, notices must not be publicized until they are admitted by the Speaker and shared with all members. Likewise, the notice of a question must remain confidential until the day it is addressed in the House.”
Highlighting the importance of these regulations, the Speaker referred to Rule 334-A from the Lok Sabha’s procedural rules, which similarly prohibits publicizing notices before they are admitted and circulated.
Discussing the practices of Parliament, Speaker Rather referenced commentary by distinguished authors Shri M.N. Kaul and Shri S.L. Shakdher. They noted that, according to parliamentary protocol, it is inappropriate to give premature publicity to notices of questions, motions, resolutions, or answers related to House business. The Speaker may express disapproval if such disclosures occur.
In reaction to remarks made by PDP Leader Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, Mr. Rather expressed, “I regret to inform that she may not have been adequately advised; her statement contradicts the established rules.”
The Speaker pointed out several examples of procedural violations, such as:
- Publication of questions before they receive Speaker approval and before being answered in the House.
- Releasing answers to questions prior to their presentation in the House.
- Making notices of motions or resolutions public before they are acknowledged by the Speaker or discussed in the House.
“This is the first instance of members acting in this manner, and I have expressed my discontent. However, should they continue this behavior, I will be compelled to take action in accordance with the rules,” he added.
Regarding the upcoming Budget Session, the Speaker announced that it will commence on March 3 and run until March 25, followed by a break for holidays. Proceedings will then resume from April 7 to April 11. He also mentioned that an all-party meeting will take place prior to the budget session.
