Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Secretariat has sought a factual report from the Housing and Urban Development Department after National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq moved a privilege motion against Executive Engineer, Lake Division-I, Niyaz Ahmad Ganai, alleging breach of legislative privilege and contempt of the House.
According to an official communication issued by the Assembly Secretariat on August 5, the matter was placed before the Speaker, who directed that comments and a factual report be obtained from the concerned officer through the administrative department before any further decision is taken.
The Secretariat has asked the Commissioner/Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, to submit the Executive Engineer’s comments within seven days so that the matter can be placed before the Speaker for consideration.
In his privilege notice, Sadiq alleged that on July 25 he had informed the Executive Engineer about the collapse of a culvert at Rooni Mohalla, Mir Behri Dal, where a vehicle reportedly sank into the adjoining lake, posing a serious risk to public safety.
The MLA claimed he shared a video of the incident with the officer through WhatsApp and requested immediate intervention. However, instead of initiating remedial action, the Executive Engineer allegedly responded, “Share with concerned JE.” When Sadiq later contacted him over the phone, the officer allegedly replied that he was “in meeting.”
Describing the response as inappropriate and unbecoming of a public servant, Sadiq alleged that the officer failed to discharge his official responsibilities and shifted the burden of action onto an elected representative.
The privilege notice also referred to General Administration Department Circular No. 06-JK(GAD) of 2025, which directs government officers to accord priority to issues raised by elected representatives, acknowledge their communications promptly and deal with them professionally and respectfully.
The MLA contended that the officer’s conduct violated these government instructions, amounted to disrespect towards an elected representative and undermined the dignity and privileges of the Legislative Assembly.
Through the privilege motion, Sadiq has sought admission of the motion, referral of the matter to the Committee of Privileges for a detailed inquiry, disciplinary action against the Executive Engineer and his suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The Assembly Secretariat, however, has not taken any decision on the privilege motion and has only sought the officer’s comments and a factual report before placing the matter before the Speaker for further consideration.
