Chaos in J&K Assembly: Waqf Act Sparks Heated Debates and Adjournments
Srinagar 07 April 2025: A Legislative Session in Turmoil –The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes on Monday as debates over the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act led to two adjournments during the ongoing budget session. The ruling National Conference (NC) and opposition parties clashed with the Speaker over his refusal to allow an adjournment motion to discuss the Act, citing its sub judice status. The uproar highlights the growing tensions surrounding the legislation, which has already received Presidential assent.
The Controversial Waqf Act
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed by Parliament and signed into law by President Droupadi Murmu, has been met with widespread criticism from regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir. The legislation, which alters the management and autonomy of Waqf properties, has been described by NC leaders as “unacceptable” and “an attack on minority rights.”
NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq, speaking on behalf of the ruling alliance, stated, “This law is against Islam and our religion. It’s an attack on our identity as a Muslim-majority region. We demand a discussion on this bill, and we will not allow the House to function until our voices are heard.”
Speaker’s Refusal Sparks Protests
The chaos began when NC members, supported by Congress and PDP legislators, moved a motion to adjourn the Question Hour and discuss the Waqf Act. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, citing Rule 58 of the House, disallowed the motion, stating that the matter is currently sub judice and cannot be debated in the Assembly.
“I cannot allow adjournment in the House as the matter is with the judiciary,” the Speaker said. His decision triggered protests from NC and opposition members, who moved toward the well of the House, raising slogans and demanding the repeal of the Act.
Adjournments Amid Pandemonium
As the ruckus continued, the Speaker was forced to adjourn the House twice—first for 15 minutes and then for an additional 20 minutes. During the protests, NC members tore copies of the Waqf Bill and flung them into the well, while BJP legislators countered with slogans of their own, accusing the NC of politicizing the issue.
“This is a black law, and we will not rest until it is rolled back,” said NC leader Nazir Gurezi. Meanwhile, BJP Leader of the House Sunil Sharma defended the legislation, stating, “The Waqf Act is now law, and this Assembly has no authority to debate it. The NC is creating unnecessary chaos.”
Political Fallout
The adjournments mark the first time the Assembly has been disrupted during the 2025 budget session, which began on March 3. The incident underscores the deep divisions between the ruling alliance and opposition parties, as well as the growing dissatisfaction among legislators over the central government’s handling of regional issues.
Opposition leaders have accused the NC-led government of failing to take a strong stand against the Act, while NC members argue that their protests reflect the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Looking Ahead
With the Assembly set to reconvene on Tuesday, tensions are expected to remain high as legislators continue to push for discussions on the Waqf Act and other contentious issues. The incident has also reignited debates about the role of regional assemblies in addressing laws passed by Parliament, particularly those affecting minority communities.
