SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Privileges on Friday deferred the appearance of MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para in connection with a breach of privilege case after he sought an adjournment citing his scheduled appearance before an NIA court in Jammu.
The committee, chaired by MLA Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, met at the Legislative Assembly Complex to examine the breach of privilege case against Para in accordance with established parliamentary practices and procedures.
The meeting was attended by legislators Showkat Hussain Ganie, Khurshied Ahmad, Zafar Ali Khatana, Vijay Kumar, Rajeev Kumar and Darshan Kumar.
According to an official statement, the committee considered a written communication from Para dated July 23, in which he informed the panel that he would be unable to appear as he was required to attend proceedings before the NIA Court in Jammu in a matter already fixed for hearing. He requested that his appearance be deferred and assured the committee of his full cooperation on any fresh date fixed by it.
The committee observed that the reason cited by the legislator was genuine and unavoidable. Chairman Hasnain Masoodi accepted the request and allowed Para to appear before the panel on August 7. The date will be notified separately, the statement said.
During the meeting, the committee reiterated the constitutional significance of the powers, privileges and immunities of members of the Legislative Assembly, observing that these safeguards are essential to enable legislators to discharge their duties without fear or hindrance. It noted that the privileges include the freedom of speech of members in the House and its committees under Article 194 of the Constitution of India.
Secretary, Legislative Assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandita briefed the committee on the constitutional provisions governing the powers, privileges and immunities of the State Legislature, its members and committees, and explained that these special rights enable legislators to perform their functions independently and effectively.
The committee further observed that the House and its committees are vested with specific powers to ensure accountability and the effective functioning of the Legislature, adding that these privileges are intended to uphold the dignity, authority and independence of the institution.
The meeting was also attended by officers and officials of the Assembly Secretariat.
