Says action will be taken if allegations proven
Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, Feb 9: Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather today ordered an inquiry into allegations that PDP legislator Waheed ur Rehman Para used a microphone inside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, a claim strongly contested by the PDP.
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The Speaker also warned that, in case the allegations levelled against the MLA from Pulwama are proven, he will initiate action as per the admissible Assembly Rules.
“I cannot allow any member to violate the dignity and decorum of this august House. Let me assure that, in case the charges levelled against the PDP MLA are proven, I will initiate action strictly in accordance with the Assembly Rules,” he said.
The issue was raised by NC legislator from Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Wani, also known as Altaf Kuloo, who alleged that Para used a microphone in the House when the Speaker was not present and Mubarik Gul was presiding.
He demanded that action permissible under the Assembly Rules be initiated.
Reacting to the allegation, Speaker Rather said that if the claim is proved, it would reflect “childish behaviour” on the part of the legislator.
He said MLAs, who are referred to as honourable members, must uphold the dignity of the House and refrain from acts such as concealing or using a microphone inside the Assembly.
Expressing disappointment, he said he would take a serious view of the alleged misconduct.
The Speaker also said he could not allow legislators to carry microphones into the House and questioned how such incidents could be prevented in the future.
“I don’t think frisking the legislators would be appropriate to prevent the recurrence of such acts,” he said.
He reiterated that the matter would be examined by the Assembly secretariat and action would follow if the allegations are substantiated.
As Waheed ur Rehman Para was not present in the House, PDP legislator Fayaz Ahmed Mir rejected the claim, asserting that Para had not used a microphone.
Responding to this, the Speaker said no action had been taken so far and assured the House that a decision would be made only after proper examination of the facts.
Meanwhile, independent legislator Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh also sought action against NC legislator Altaf Ahmad Wani, alleging that he frequently disrupts proceedings and other legislators in the House.
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