District Magistrate declares Anantnag Bar elections ‘null and void’, cites ‘violations of official orders’

The elections to District Bar Association Anantnag in south Kashmir held on October 27 has been declared “null and void” by the District Magistrate over alleged “violations of official orders and non-fulfilment of mandatory requirements”.

“The election has been conducted in violation of the provisions of Societies Registration Act 1860 (As applicable in Jammu and Kashmir) and Indian Trust Act 1882. The elections conducted by the organisation operating under the name and style of District Bar Association Anantnag, held on 27-10-2026, are hereby declared null and void, ab initio and non-est in the eyes of law,” reads the order.

It also mentioned that the election process of the District Bar Association, Anantnag, was prohibited under order Dated 02-01-2025 until “submission of Certificate of Registration; Constitution or Memorandum of Association of the organisation; bye-laws governing the functioning of the organisation; list of current executive members and members of previous 10 years, including their full names, designations, permanent residential addresses, and actives mobile contact numbers and detailed account statements along with a summary of financial transactions and any relevant banking details.

Around 700 lawyers are enrolled in the Bar in Anantnag. The elections were held for the posts of president and secretary. “These elections were held after proper permission and observation of the authorities. It’s wrong to term these elections illegal,” said a senior lawyer, on condition of anonymity.

He said the District Magistrate notification came in at night. “The elections were held with the intention to benefit lawyers and maintain decorum and dignity of courts. Such elections were already held in Kulgam, Shopian and Bandipora.

It is sad Anantnag was treated unfairly,” he added. Another lawyer said the elections were held peacefully and there was no violation of any prohibitory orders. “We fail to understand what provisions were invoked to declare it null and void.

Once elections are held, it cannot be declared null and void. It brings back the age-old tussle of judiciary and executive to fore. Non-registration of the Bar can be no grounds to declare it illegal,” said the lawyer. Anantnag is the third major district with a sizable number of lawyers in J&K after Jammu and Srinagar.