Guwahati, August 30, 2024 — The Assam Legislative Assembly has taken a significant step towards upholding secular values by abolishing the long-standing practice of adjourning sessions on Fridays to accommodate Namaz. This tradition, which had been in place since 1946, was officially discarded following a historic vote in the Assembly.
The practice was originally introduced under the speakership of Sayed Sadullah, allowing the House to adjourn from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on Fridays, enabling Muslim members to offer their weekly prayers. After Namaz, the Assembly would reconvene to continue its legislative duties.
In a move reflecting the secular ethos of the Indian Constitution, Speaker Biswajit Daimary proposed the end of this practice, emphasizing that the Assembly should operate on Fridays without religious interruptions. “The legislative process should be free from religious considerations, aligning with the principle of equality and non-discrimination,” Daimary stated.
The Rules Committee, chaired by Daimary, reviewed the proposal and unanimously agreed to amend the Rules of Procedure. With today’s vote, the Assembly has officially scrapped the adjournment rule, marking a significant shift in how the legislative body functions.
The decision is being hailed as a modernization of the Assembly’s procedures, underscoring a commitment to secularism and equal treatment within the legislative framework. This change reflects a broader move towards ensuring that the legislative process remains inclusive and free from religious influences.