Court asks police to investigate NC MLCs remarks

Jammu, Jan 16 (PTI) A court has directed police to investigate into the objectionable remarks of National Conference MLC Showkat Ganai in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council last week.

The NC member has moved a privilege in Council against the person who filed a complaint in the court of law.

After hearing the counsel for the petitioner on the complaint, sub-judge Jammu Kusoom Pandita forwarded the complaint to Police Station City for investigation under Section 156(3) CrPC.

In his complaint, Mohd Saddiq Khan sought registration of FIR against Ganai, who had stated in the Legislative Council that Kashmiri youth will continue to pick up guns and had even described slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani as “martyr”.

After J&K Legislative council began its proceedings this morning, NC and Congress members raised the issue of the direction issued by the court.

The Chairman of Legislative council, Haji Anayat Ali assured the house that “no FIR will be lodged against sitting legislator Showkat Ganai for his comments made in the house”.

The Opposition members said that the decision of the court tantamount to questioning the respect and privileges of the Legislative council.

The Chairman also said that the member was at liberty to move a privilege motion against anyone involved in filing the petition with the Jammu court, based on which the court directed the police to lodge an FIR against the legislator.

Intervening, State Education Minister Naeem Akhtar present in the house agreed with the Chairman, suggesting that the controversy should be treated as closed chapter.

However, the Chairman turned down the demand for direction from him in the case.

Talking to PTI, Chairman of J&K LC said that NC MLC has filed the privilige motion against the person who filed complaint in the court. PTI