The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Secretariat has issued a Show Cause Notice to Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, MLA from Pulwama, for allegedly sharing misleading and factually incorrect information on social media regarding the detention of Mehraj Din Malik, MLA from Doda-52.
The notice was issued under the direction of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
According to KNS, the Secretariat received official communication on 8 September 2025 from Harvinder Singh, IAS, District Magistrate of Doda, informing them about Malik’s detention under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978.
As per Rule 260 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, the Speaker directed that the information be published in the Assembly Bulletin for Members’ awareness since the House was not in session.
On the same day, Para posted on X:
“Shameful surrender. Assembly Secretariat endorsing PSA against an elected MLA is a direct assault on democracy. J&K CM @OmarAbdullah must act, don’t allow the institution of MLA, the last agency of the people, to be silenced. Today it’s Mehraj, tomorrow it could be you.”
The Secretariat stated that Para’s post implied that the Assembly Secretariat had “endorsed” the PSA action against Malik, calling it an “assault on democracy.” This claim is factually incorrect and misleading, as the publication of the Bulletin was purely a procedural step and the Assembly had no role in Malik’s detention.
The Secretariat noted that such statements by a sitting Member undermine the dignity and impartiality of the Speaker and the Assembly. The post may also constitute a breach of privilege or contempt of the House, as it questions the neutrality of the Speaker’s office.
After reviewing the matter, the Speaker has directed Para to show cause within seven days of receiving the notice, either in writing or in person, explaining why breach of privilege or contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him.
Failure to respond may lead to further action under the Assembly Rules. (KNS)
