High Court Stays Shopian Bar Association Elections

Mudasir Yaqoob
Srinagar, Dec 23:
The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has stayed the proposed elections of the District Bar Association (DBA) Shopian after a practising advocate challenged the legality of amendments made to the Bar Association’s constitution in 2023.

Justice Rajesh Sekhri passed the interim order while hearing a writ petition filed by Advocate Abdul Basit Bhat, who questioned the manner in which the constitutional amendments were introduced and subsequently implemented.

The petitioner submitted that the amendments were brought by a limited group of members despite the absence of any provision for amendment in the earlier 2012 constitution. He alleged that the changes were aimed at restricting and depriving young advocates of their right to participate in the Bar Association elections.

It was further contended that despite seeking details related to the amendment process, including a copy of the amended constitution, notices issued for the general body meeting, minutes of the meeting, and the list of members who voted in favour of the amendments, no information was provided to him.

The petition also challenged the election notification dated December 11, 2025, issued by the Election Commission of the Bar Association, scheduling fresh elections on December 27, 2025.

After hearing the petitioner, the court observed that a prima facie case for indulgence was made out. Accordingly, notice was issued to the respondents.

The court stayed the operation of the election notification.