It appears Speaker is imposing a form of martial law: Mehbooba Mufti over warning to MLAs on publicity to House Business notices

Srinagar, Feb 23: Former Chief Minister and PDP President, Mehbooba Mufti, has denounced the Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s warning to MLAs over giving publicity to House Business notices.

In a post on X, former Chief Minister, said, “While Rathar Sahab may be concerned with preserving the sanctity of legislative proceedings, as Speaker, his primary role is to safeguard the rights of members, not to act as a censor. Transparency and public awareness of legislative activities should not be seen as an infringement on parliamentary practices. On the contrary, informing the public about notices, questions, and resolutions in advance promotes accountability.”

“Many significant parliamentary bills, such as the recent Waqf Bill, are debated publicly for months. Regrettably, it appears that Rathar Sahab, a seasoned politician, is imposing a form of martial law while occupying a constitutional position.”

A communique issued here today by the Legislative Assembly has said that "according to parliamentary practice, usage and established convention, and prevalent rules of this House, it is improper to give unwarranted publicity to the notices of Questions, Bills, Resolutions and other similar matters connected with Business of the House”.

Assembly Speaker has said that this "tantamounts to breach of privilege as per the prescribed rules and directed the Members to desist from this."