ANANTNAG — The District Magistrate Anantnag has declared the District Bar Association Anantnag elections held on October 27, 2026, null and void, citing violation of official orders and non-fulfilment of mandatory conditions.
According to an order issued by the Office of the District Magistrate on Wednesday, the election process of the association had earlier been prohibited through an order dated January 2, 2025, and subsequently reiterated through another order dated September 28, 2026.
The administration had directed the association to submit several documents, including its registration certificate, constitution or memorandum of association, bye-laws, details of current and previous executive members for the past ten years, and financial statements, wherever applicable.
The order also required verification of the submitted documents and obtaining necessary permission from the District Magistrate before proceeding with the election process.
However, the District Magistrate said it had come to the administration’s notice through social media that the association had conducted elections on October 27, 2026, despite the prohibitory orders remaining in force.
The order further states that the elections were conducted without informing the office of the District Magistrate or obtaining the required permission and without fulfilling the prescribed conditions.
Citing violations of the applicable provisions of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and the Indian Trust Act, 1882, the District Magistrate declared the elections null and void, ab initio and non-est in the eyes of law. — (KIMS)