1. The Assam Legislative Assembly has abolished the 1946 tradition of adjourning sessions on Fridays for Namaz.
2. This practice allowed the Assembly to pause between 11:30 am and 1 pm for Muslim members to offer prayers.
3. The decision reflects a commitment to secularism and the principle of equality in legislative proceedings.
Guwahati, Aug 30: The Assam Legislative Assembly has made a landmark decision by abolishing the long-standing tradition of adjourning sessions on Fridays for Namaz.
This practice, in place since 1946, allowed the Assembly to pause proceedings between 11:30 am and 1 pm on Fridays to enable Muslim members to offer their weekly prayers.
The tradition was initiated under the speakership of Sayed Sadullah, with the House adjourning for Namaz before resuming legislative work in the afternoon.
Also Read: N Biren Singh Thanks Himanta Biswa Sarma for Making Manipuri an Associate Official Language in Assam
However, in a significant shift, Speaker Biswajit Daimary proposed ending this practice to reflect the secular principles of the Indian Constitution.
Daimary emphasized that the Assembly should function on Fridays without religious interruptions, promoting equality and non-discrimination.
The Rules Committee, chaired by Daimary, reviewed and unanimously approved the proposal.
The adjournment rule was officially abolished in today’s House vote to amend the Rules of Procedure. This decision hailed as a modernization of the legislature, reaffirms the commitment to secularism and equal treatment in the legislative process.