Srinagar: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday clarified that the government had not sought any permission from him regarding the arrest of MLA Doda, Mehraj Malik.
Speaking to KINS, Rather explained that under Rule 260 of the Legislative Assembly, the Speaker’s role is limited to being informed about the arrest of any legislator. “In Mehraj’s case, I too was informed and the same I conveyed to legislators,” Rather said.
He said that his office was not consulted nor required to give approval for the detention. “No permission was sought from me. I have no role in his arrest. The order has been issued by the District Commissioner. My only responsibility is to communicate the matter to the members,” he noted.
The Speaker further underlined that the decision on the legality of the arrest lies with the judiciary. “Rest, the court has to decide if anything has been done wrong,” he added.
The arrest of Mehraj Malik has sparked sharp reactions across political circles, with several parties condemning the move and questioning the grounds of his detention. Critics argue that the action sets a “dangerous precedent” by undermining the rights of elected representatives.
The matter is now expected to be taken up in the courts, where Malik’s legal team will contest the charges against him. Meanwhile, the Speaker’s clarification appears aimed at distancing the Assembly Secretariat from the ongoing controversy. (KINS)
