Anantnag, October 29: The District Magistrate Anantnag has declared the elections of the District Bar Association Anantnag, held on October 27, 2026, null and void, citing non-compliance with earlier administrative orders and failure to meet mandatory requirements.

According to an order issued by the District Magistrate’s office, the election process had been prohibited through Order No. 01-DCA of 2025, dated January 2, 2025. The restriction was imposed pending submission of essential documents, including the association’s registration certificate, constitution or memorandum of association, bylaws, details of current executive members, membership records for the preceding ten years and complete financial statements.

The administration subsequently reiterated the prohibition through Order No. 62-DCA of 2026, issued on September 28, 2026. The latest order states that the restriction remains in force.

The District Magistrate’s office said it learned through social media that an organisation operating under the name of District Bar Association Anantnag had conducted elections on October 27 despite the existing restrictions.

The order states that the election was held without prior intimation or permission from the administration and without fulfilling the prescribed requirements. It also cites alleged violations of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, as applicable in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.

In view of these circumstances, the District Magistrate declared the elections null and void from the outset, stating that they would have no legal validity.

The order underscores the administration’s position that the association must fulfil the prescribed documentation and compliance requirements before proceeding with its election process.