Srinagar, October 31, 2025 : Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Friday assured that “appropriate action” will be taken against a journalist who uploaded a video on social media alleging that a National Conference (NC) MLA was “watching reels” during House proceedings.
The issue was raised by Karnah MLA Javaid Mirchal as soon as the Assembly session began. Mirchal said the video was recorded by a journalist while he was scrolling through his mobile phone during Thursday’s proceedings.
“I was just scrolling through my mobile. A journalist recorded it and posted it online, accusing me of wasting time in the House,” Mirchal told the Assembly.
The video, which quickly went viral, reportedly garnered over 63,000 views on a Facebook page with nearly one million followers, sparking public commentary and criticism.
Mirchal expressed distress over the matter, saying, “My constituents have been calling me constantly; I could not sleep the entire night.”
Supporting him, NC MLA from Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, said the legislators were considering moving a privilege motion against the journalist for recording Assembly proceedings without permission.
Responding to the members, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said the issue would be taken seriously.
“I assure the House that appropriate action will be taken against the defaulter,” the Speaker said.
The controversy has reignited debate over media access and accountability within legislative proceedings, with many urging clarity on rules governing coverage inside the Assembly.
