For the first time in nearly 90 years, the Assam Legislative Assembly has discontinued its long-standing Friday ‘namaz break’, marking a major shift in the House’s procedural framework.
The decision, which was finalized in the last session of the House in August 2023, was officially implemented during the ongoing budget session in 2024. The move reflects the Assembly’s intent to prioritize productivity over tradition, aligning with constitutional secular principles.
The two-hour break was originally introduced in 1937 during the tenure of Syed Saadulla, a member of the Muslim League. However, under the leadership of Speaker Biswajit Daimary, the Assembly’s Rules Committee decided to abolish the practice, emphasizing the need for uniform session hours without religious-based interruptions.
Historical Background: The Introduction of the Namaz Break in 1937
The practice of granting a Friday break for ‘namaz’ dates back to pre-independence India, when Syed Saadulla, the then Prime Minister of Assam under British rule, introduced it to allow Muslim legislators and officials to offer their weekly congregational prayers.
For nearly a century, the break continued uninterrupted, regardless of changing governments and political landscapes. The Assam Assembly remained one of the few legislative bodies in India to follow this tradition.
However, in the evolving landscape of modern governance, Assembly members began reconsidering whether such religious-based recesses aligned with the demands of legislative efficiency and neutrality.
Why Was the ‘Namaz Break’ Abolished?
1. Decision by the Rules Committee
The move to discontinue the Friday break was led by the Rules Committee of the Assam Legislative Assembly, chaired by Speaker Biswajit Daimary. The committee unanimously agreed that Assembly sessions should continue uninterrupted, without special provisions for religious practices.
2. Prioritizing Productivity Over Tradition
One of the primary arguments in favor of abolishing the break was to ensure uninterrupted Assembly proceedings. With crucial budget discussions, policy debates, and legislative decisions on the agenda, a two-hour pause was seen as disruptive to the workflow of the House.
3. Adhering to Constitutional Secularism
The Indian Constitution upholds the principle of secular governance, meaning that legislative processes should remain neutral to religious considerations. The decision to discontinue the namaz break aligns with this secular outlook, ensuring that Assembly functioning remains independent of religious schedules.
Political Reactions: Support and Opposition
Support for the Decision
Speaker Biswajit Daimary and the ruling BJP-led government have justified the move, arguing that legislative time should be used efficiently.
Many lawmakers and political analysts see this decision as a step toward institutional neutrality, ensuring that no specific religious group receives special privileges.
Supporters of the decision have emphasized that legislators from all faiths must work within the same session hours without religious-based exceptions.
Opposition from AIUDF and Minority Leaders
AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam criticized the move, stating that the ruling BJP used its majority power in the House to impose the decision without properly considering the concerns of Muslim legislators.
Some Muslim leaders argue that removing the namaz break ignores the religious obligations of Muslim lawmakers, who may now face difficulties in attending Friday prayers while fulfilling legislative duties.
Opposition voices have also raised concerns about whether this move is part of a broader political agenda aimed at reducing minority representation in decision-making spaces.
Implications of the Decision
1. Standardized Legislative Functioning
With the removal of the namaz break, the Assam Assembly will now operate with uniform session hours, eliminating disruptions in the middle of Friday proceedings.
2. Political and Religious Sensitivities
The decision has sparked political controversy, especially among minority groups, who feel their rights and traditions are being overlooked. It raises broader questions about the balance between religious freedom and legislative efficiency.
3. Potential for Similar Reforms in Other States
Given the secular precedent set by the Assam Assembly, other state legislatures with religious-based recesses may also reassess their policies in the coming years.
The Assam Legislative Assembly’s decision to abolish the 90-year-old Friday namaz break is a momentous step in redefining legislative traditions. While the move aligns with constitutional secularism and aims to enhance productivity, it has also sparked criticism from minority leaders and opposition parties.
As Assam continues its political transformation, this decision sets the stage for ongoing debates about the role of religious accommodations in governance.
