J&K Assembly passes three Bills through voice vote

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Saturday passed three important Bills through voice vote, marking a significant step towards governance reforms, social equity and strengthening of the judicial framework in Jammu and Kashmir. The Bills were moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and were subsequently put to vote by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, who presented bills before the House for passage. The House passed L.A. Bill No. 01 of 2026, which seeks to amend certain enactments to decriminalise and rationalise minor offences, thereby promoting trust-based governance and improving ease of living and doing business in Jammu and Kashmir. The Assembly also approved L.A. Bill No. 02 of 2026, aimed at eliminating discrimination against persons affected by leprosy. The legislation ensures equal treatment, removes stigmatizing provisions and enables the government to fulfil its obligations through affirmative action. Further, the House passed L.A. Bill No. 03 of 2026, which proposes amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Courts Act, 1977 (Svt), with the objective of improving the efficiency and functioning of the judicial system. All three Bills were passed by voice vote after being taken up for consideration. Earlier, the amendments proposed with respect to these bills by Legislators Saifullah Mir, Nizamuddin Bhat, and Balwant Singh Mankotia were withdrawn following assurances from the Chief Minister.