SRINAGAR, JUNE 26: Srinagar District Magistrate has put on hold the election of office bearers to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA) citing security concerns and potential unrest.
The order comes amidst allegations by another lawyers’ body and questions regarding the JKHCBA’s registration status.
Imposing restrictions under section 144 of CrPC on the holding of elections, DM warned of punitive action in case of gathering of four or more people at District Court Complex, Mominabad, Batamaloo, or any other location for the purpose of the HCBA elections until further notice.
The elections were scheduled to be held on
Putting on hold the election process, the DM referred to a communication received from Kashmir Advocates’ Association questioning the legality of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association in view of its being an unregistered body and its propagating secessionist ideology, adding that the Advocates’ Body has expressed apprehensions about the breach of peace and disturbance in law and order situation.
“Whereas, in response to Kashmir Advocates Association communication undersigned has sought a detailed ground report from Sr. Superintendent of Police Srinagar vide this office No: DMS/PS/2024/563-65 Dated: 20-06-2024, and with respect to the registration status of J&K High Court Bar Association Srinagar details were also sought from Registrar of Societies Kashmir vide this office communication No: DMS/PS/2024/564-65 Dated: 20-06-2024,” the order reads.
“Whereas, Registrar of Societies Kashmir reported vide their office No: Dik /Est/society/435 Dated: 24-6-2024 that Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association Srinagar is not registered as a body with their office.
Whereas, senior superintendent of police, Srinagar in his report bearing No: CS/83-24/37169-02 24/37160-62 dated: 24-06-2024 reveals that Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association Srinagar is advocating for “peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue and has secessionist ideology and had record of intimidating members of legal fraternity and others who are adhere to the ideology of its members, and are providing free legal aid to anti-national elements.”
“Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar further reveals that there is every apprehension of breach of peace and law and order situation between members of Kashmir Advocates Association and Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association Srinagar, if the aforesaid elections are allowed to conducted.
