SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Privileges, chaired by Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, on Monday examined a breach of privilege notice filed by Chadoora MLA Ali Mohammad Dar against the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chadoora.
The meeting was held at the Legislative Assembly Secretariat to consider the notice in accordance with procedures governing the privileges of the House.
Legislators Showkat Hussain Ganie, Khurshied Ahmad, Zafar Ali Khatana and Vijay Kumar attended the meeting.
Masoodi underscored the importance of parliamentary privileges and immunities available to members of the Legislative Assembly, saying that a breach of a member’s privilege also amounted to a breach of the privilege of the House and carried serious implications.
He said legislative privileges were constitutional safeguards intended to enable elected representatives to discharge their duties without fear or obstruction, rather than personal benefits. Any disrespect or lack of cooperation by officials, he said, undermined the authority of the legislature.
The committee also considered a communication dated October 19 from MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para seeking the adjournment of his appearance before the panel because he was required to appear before a court in Jammu.
Finding the reason genuine, the committee accepted his request and decided to notify a fresh date separately.
