Shopian, Dec 23 (GNS): The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Srinagar has stayed the proposed fresh elections of the District Bar Association Shopian, scheduled to be held on December 27, 2025.
Justice Rajesh Sekhri, while hearing a writ petition filed by Advocate Abdul Basit Bhat, observed that a prima facie case for indulgence is made out. The petitioner had challenged the 2023 amendment to the Constitution of the District Bar Association Shopian, alleging that it was introduced by a handful of members without any enabling provision in the earlier 2012 constitution and was aimed at restricting young advocates from participating in Bar elections.
The petitioner also submitted before the Court that despite seeking details related to the amendment including copies of the amended constitution, notices, minutes of meetings and voting records the same were not provided to him.
Taking note of the grievance, the Court issued notice to the respondents, returnable within four weeks, and directed that requisite steps be taken within one week. Dasti service was also permitted.
Meanwhile, the Court stayed the impugned notification dated December 11, 2025, issued by the Election Commission regarding the conduct of fresh elections of the Bar Association.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 27, 2026.(GNS)
