Srinagar, Feb 9: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday ordered a formal probe into allegations of unauthorised use of a microphone inside the House by a PDP legislator, triggering a political controversy during the Assembly proceedings.
The Speaker’s direction came after National Conference MLA Altaf Wani raised a point of order, alleging that PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para was using a microphone inside the House. Wani further alleged that when confronted, the device was passed on to another PDP MLA, Muntazir Mehdi.
Taking serious note of the allegation, Speaker Rather said the Assembly Secretariat would investigate the matter and appropriate action would be taken in accordance with House rules. “I will investigate the matter,” the Speaker said, directing officials to ascertain the facts.
Describing the alleged act as damaging to the dignity of the House, the Speaker expressed displeasure over the incident. In a sharp remark, he questioned whether members needed to be frisked, reflecting visible exasperation over the situation.
The issue escalated further when NC MLA Kaloo demanded forensic examination of the speeches of Para and other members to establish whether any unauthorised device was used, intensifying demands for evidence on the floor of the House.
Outside the Assembly, NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq also called for a thorough probe, saying it was important to establish why a microphone was allegedly used inside the House and whether Assembly protocol was violated.
The incident added to the charged atmosphere in the Assembly, with members from different parties pressing for clarity and accountability as the Secretariat prepares to examine the matter.
Meanwhile, in a statement from the Government, the Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today said that the matter would be examined after MLA Altaf Ahmad wani raised the issue that MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Parra has allegedly carried a microphone inside the House.
Taking serious note of the issue, the Speaker stated that bringing a microphone into the House by a member is unethical. “I take serious note of this matter,” he said.
He further directed the Assembly Secretariat to examine the issue thoroughly and initiate appropriate action in accordance with the rules.
