Authorities Ban High Court Bar Association Polls in J-K

Srinagar : Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have banned the High Court Bar Association (HCBA) elections, citing the association’s unregistered status and concerns over potential disturbances to public order. This decision came hours after the arrest of Mian Abdul Qayoom, former HCBA president.

The Srinagar District Magistrate (DM) issued the ban, following a June 15 communication from the Kashmir Advocates’ Association. The association raised concerns about HCBA’s legal status and alleged its propagation of secessionist ideologies.

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Srinagar’s report on June 24 confirmed these allegations, noting potential breaches of peace if the elections proceeded. The DM emphasized the urgent need to prevent any disruption of public order, leading to the election ban under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Qayoom was arrested for his alleged role in the 2020 conspiracy to kill advocate Babar Qadri.