Srinagar, Feb 3:
Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Monday said that amendments moved by Peoples Conference president and MLA Sajad Gani Lone on issues including Article 370 and statehood had been disallowed in accordance with Assembly rules.
The Speaker informed the House that the amendment relating to Article 370 was rejected as the matter had already been debated and a resolution on it had earlier been adopted by the Assembly.
The issue came up after the conclusion of Question Hour, when Sajad Lone sought clarification from the Chair on why amendments concerning Article 370, Article 35A, restoration of statehood, and rationalisation of reservations were not admitted for discussion.
Responding to the query, the Speaker said the Rules of Procedure do not permit discussion or amendments on subjects that have already been considered or decided by the House.
On the demand for restoration of statehood, the Speaker further clarified that the issue falls outside the legislative competence of the Jammu and Kashmir Government, and therefore could not be taken up through an amendment in the Assembly.
However, Lone contested the ruling, asserting that his amendment was not intended to enact legislation on statehood but to formally record the House’s intent regarding its restoration.
The exchange led to brief arguments on the interpretation of Assembly rules before proceedings moved on.
