J&K Assembly Witnesses Heated Exchange Between AAP MLA Mehraj Malik and Speaker Over Question Procedure

A heated exchange broke out in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly after AAP MLA Mehraj Malik was denied a supplementary question, sparking debate over legislative rules, members’ rights and House decorum.

Post Published By: Aditya Wadhawan

Updated : 22 September 2026, 6:53 PM IST

AAP MLA Mehraj Malik and J&K Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather during a heated exchange over House proceedings. (Images: Google)

Srinagar: A heated exchange took place in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday after AAP MLA Mehraj Malik was stopped from raising a supplementary question on the electricity bill amnesty issue. The situation escalated when Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather directed Malik to return to his seat after the MLA attempted to raise the matter during proceedings.

Expressing his objection, Malik said, “The Assembly is not anybody’s jageer,” following which the House witnessed a brief uproar. The Speaker asked the MLA to maintain decorum and warned that action could be taken if disorderly conduct continued.

Speaker Explains Rule Behind Decision

The Speaker later clarified that the decision was based on a previous committee resolution, under which only the member who had originally submitted the question could ask a supplementary question. He said the ruling was part of the established procedure of the House and was not an individual decision.

Debate Over Members’ Rights and Assembly Rules

The incident has brought renewed attention to the balance between the rights of elected representatives to raise public issues and the importance of following legislative procedures. Members of legislative assemblies play a key role in highlighting issues affecting citizens, questioning government decisions and ensuring accountability. At the same time, parliamentary rules are designed to ensure orderly debates and allow maximum participation of all representatives.

Focus on Maintaining House Decorum

The exchange has also highlighted the responsibility of both the Speaker and legislators in maintaining the dignity and functioning of the Assembly. While members are expected to represent public concerns effectively, the Chair is responsible for ensuring that proceedings are conducted according to established rules.

The controversy surrounding the supplementary question goes beyond a single issue, bringing attention to the larger challenge of balancing debate, transparency and discipline within democratic institutions.