Srinagar, Dec 24: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has stayed the proposed elections to the District Bar Association Shopian.
A bench of Justice Rajesh Sekhri put on hold the election in response to a petition filed by a practicing advocate from the District, who has challenged amendments made to the Bar Association’s constitution in 2023.
After the court observed that Prima facie a case for indulgence was made out, it issued notice to the respondents returnable within four weeks.
Meanwhile, the court stayed the notification dated December 11, regarding the fresh elections, saying the order shall be subject to objections from the other side.
The petitioner’s contention is that the amendments were introduced by a handful of members without any enabling amendment clause in the original 2012 constitution. He alleged that the changes were aimed at restricting and depriving young advocates from participating in the Bar elections.
The aggrieved advocate further contended that on October 17, he sought details related to the amendment process, including a copy of the amended constitution, names of members who proposed the amendment, notice for the general body meeting, minutes of the meeting, list of members who voted in favour of the amendment, and the circular adopting the amendment. However, none of the information he had requested for was provided to him, according to the petition.
The petitioner has also questioned the notification dated December 11, issued by the Election Commission of the Bar Association, announcing fresh elections on December 27. The Court listed for further consideration on January 27.