Orders Annulment of October 27 Polls, Cites Violation of Official Directions and Non-Compliance with Mandatory Requirements
Anantnag, October 28:
The District Magistrate Anantnag has declared the elections of the District Bar Association Anantnag, held on October 27, 2026, null and void, citing alleged violations of official orders and non-fulfilment of mandatory requirements prescribed by the district administration.
According to an official order issued by the Office of the District Magistrate Anantnag on October 28, 2026, the election process of the District Bar Association had previously been prohibited through an order dated January 2, 2025, pending the submission and verification of requisite documents and the grant of necessary permission by the competent authority.
The administration had directed the association to submit several documents, including its certificate of registration, constitution or memorandum of association, bye-laws, details of current and previous executive members for the preceding ten years, and financial account statements, wherever applicable.
The order further stipulated that the submitted documents would be verified to the satisfaction of the District Magistrate and that the necessary permission would be granted only after the verification process was completed.
Earlier Ban on Election Process Remained in Force
The District Magistrate observed that, owing to the non-fulfilment of the prescribed prerequisites, the election process was again prohibited through an order dated September 28, 2026. The administration stated that the said order remained in force when the elections were conducted on October 27.
The latest order states that the administration came to know through social media platforms that an organisation operating under the name and style of the District Bar Association Anantnag had conducted the elections despite the existing restrictions.
According to the order, the polls were held without prior intimation to the district administration and without obtaining the required permission.
Registration and Legal Compliance Cited
The District Magistrate further referred to alleged violations of the applicable provisions of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, as applicable in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
Taking these circumstances into consideration, the administration declared the elections held on October 27, 2026, “null and void, ab initio and non-est in the eyes of law,” meaning that the polls are treated as invalid from the outset under the terms of the order.
Copy Forwarded to Senior Officials
The order, bearing No. DMA/JC/2026/2027-30 and dated October 28, 2026, has been circulated to the Financial Commissioner, Home Department, Jammu and Kashmir; the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; the Secretary to the Government, Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; and the Senior Superintendent of Police Anantnag for information and necessary action.
The development comes amid the administration’s insistence that the association fulfil the prescribed legal and documentary requirements before proceeding with its election process.(KNC)