The J&K administration on July 15 invoked Section 144, which bars assembly of more than four people, and barred the J&K High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA) in Srinagar from holding elections.
“There is an emergent situation which can lead to a breach of peace and disruption of public order if JKHCBA proceeds forward with the scheduled elections. Therefore, I, District Magistrate, Srinagar, by virtue of the powers vested in me under Section 144 CrPC direct that no gathering of four or more persons shall be allowed in the premises of District Court Complex, Mominabad, Batamaloo or any other place for the purpose of conduct of HCBA elections till further orders,” Mohammad Aijaz Asad, District Magistrate, Srinagar, said.
The DM’s order asked the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Srinagar, “to ensure implementation of this order”. “Any violation of this order shall invite punitive action under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1860,” it said.
