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Srinagar District Magistrate Shahid Iqbal Choudhury on Monday issued three notices to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association asking it to explain its position on terming Kashmir a disputed territory and prohibiting it from holding elections, besides imposing prohibitory orders in premises of the district court complex.
Citing Kashmir Bar's constitution which states among its objectives "to find ways and means, take steps, for resolving the issues concerning the public at large including larger issue of peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute..." "You are required to explain your position on the subject since its not in consonance with the Constitution of India whereby Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and not a dispute, and also in conflict with The Advocates Act of 1961..." the notice issued by the deputy commissioner said. The bar has also been asked to submit a certificate issued by the competent authority, its Article of Association, its registered office, executive body and validity of registration among other details. The court ordered that – “To find ways and means, take steps, for resolving the issues concerning the public at large including larger issue of peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute; and for this purpose organise seminars, conventions, delegate its members to various places within and outside India, to become members of others Associations, Bodies or Forums which share common outlook with associations.” It further said that – You are required to explain position on the subject, since the above is not in consonance with the Constitution of India, whereby J&K is an integral part of the Country and not a dispute; and also it is in conflict with The Advocates Act, 1961 The District Magistrate also said that he has received representation from advocates of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court which shows that serious allegations have been brought up and concerns are raised regarding the election process and the motive behind it.