The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed chaos as JKNC MLA Tanvir Sadiq demanded an adjournment motion over the Waqf Amendment Bill. Sadiq emphasized the need to express the sentiments of the Muslim-majority state, arguing that the Assembly is the appropriate platform for such discussions. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejected the motion, citing its sub judice status, leading to protests from NC MLAs.
A commotion erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday when JKNC MLA Tanvir Sadiq called for an adjournment motion regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, emphasizing that they respect Parliament's authority but wish to convey their feelings. He stated that the party would persist in demanding an adjournment motion until their voices are acknowledged in the Assembly. 'This is a highly emotional and sensitive matter for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a Muslim-majority state. We are not challenging Parliament's authority, but we want to express our sentiments,' Sadiq told the media.
Sadiq stressed that the Assembly remains the appropriate platform to represent and discuss the public's concerns, particularly on matters with far-reaching cultural implications.
"If we do not put our point in the assembly, then where will we put it? ...As per the law, we were asking for an adjournment motion, and we will stick to it until the Speaker accepts our motions and allows discussion on it," he questioned?
Earlier today, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly descended into chaos after members of the National Conference and its allies protested against the enactment of the Waqf Amendment Bill. They also protested speaker Abdul Rahim Rather's decision to reject their adjournment motion on the Waqf Amendment Act.
As the session began, opposition MLAs rose to demand a discussion on the recent amendments made to the Waqf Act, voicing concerns over its implications. However, Speaker rather maintained that the matter could not be taken up under an adjournment motion since it was currently sub judice.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said, "As per rules, no matter what subjudice is, it can be brought up for adjournment. Since this issue is in the Supreme Court, and I have a copy of it, the rule clearly says that we cannot discuss it through an adjournment motion."NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq moved the adjournment motion. Soon after, NC MLAs began approaching the well but were stopped by Marshalls. NC MLAs then raised slogans, "Ban karo ban karo Waqf bill ko ban karo."
On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which Parliament passed during the budget session.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill on April 4 with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha cleared the bill after a lengthy debate, with 288 members voting in favour and 232 opposing it.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to focus on improving the management of waqf properties, empowering relevant stakeholders to this, improving the efficiency of survey, registration, and case disposal processes, and developing waqf properties. While the core purpose remains to manage waqf properties, the aim is to implement modern and scientific methods for better governance. The Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923 was also repealed.