Privileges Panel Adjourns Hearing for Waheed Para

Srinagar: MLA, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi Friday chaired a meeting of Committee on Privileges here at Legislative Assembly Complex to discuss and examine Breach of Privilege case against Waheer Rehman Para, MLA in accordance with the established parliamentary practices and procedures governing the privileges of the House.
The meeting was attended by Legislators Showkat Hussain Ganie, Khurshied Ahmad, Zafar Ali Khatana, Vijay Kumar, Rajeev Kumar and Darshan Kumar.
The Committee took note of a written communication dated 23-07-2026 received from Waheed ur Rehman Para wherein he has conveyed his inability to appear before the Committee as he is required to appear before the NIA Court, Jammu in connection with a matter already fixed for hearing. Citing this unavoidable circumstance, he has humbly requested the Committee to adjourn his appearance and grant him a fresh date at the convenience of the Committee. He further assured the Committee of his fullest respect, cooperation and readiness to appear on any other date as may be fixed by the Committee.
The Committee took note of the request and observed that the reason cited by the MLA was genuine and unavoidable. Accordingly the Chairman accepted the plea for adjournment and allowed the member to appear before it on 7th August 2026 which shall be notified in due course.
During the meeting, the Committee reiterated the constitutional importance of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Members of the Legislative Assembly. These privileges are fundamental to enable the Members to discharge their legislative duties without fear or hindrance. They inter-alia included Freedom of Speech in the House and its Committees as provided under Article 194 of the Constitution of India.
Secretary Legislative Assembly Manoj Kumar Pandita apprised the committee about the Privileges of Members of the Legislative Assembly and their special rights and immunities that enable Legislators to perform their legislative duties independently and effectively. The ultimate source of these privileges is Constitution of India: Article 194 of the Constitution of India provides for the, powers, privileges and immunities of State Legislatures and of the Members and Committees.
The Committee further observed that the House and its Committees are vested with specific powers to ensure accountability and effective functioning of the Legislature. Such privileges are intended to uphold the dignity, authority and independence of the Legislature as a core institution of democracy. The meeting was also attended by officers and officials of Assembly Secretariat.