Srinagar, Aug 19 (JKNS): The Kashmir Advocates Association / Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Srinagar (Regd.), has expressed serious concern over the incident that took place on 17th August, 2026, involving the Additional District and Sessions Judge, Poonch.
It has been reported that while the learned Judge was travelling towards Poonch, his vehicle was stopped by police personnel at a checkpoint near Potha Bypass / Kallar. Even after the Judge disclosed his official identity and despite the presence of official markings on the vehicle, some police personnel allegedly behaved in a disrespectful and aggressive manner. It is further reported that an attempt was made to take out the ignition key of the vehicle. As a result, the Judge had to get down from the car and wait on the roadside for a long time until the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Poonch, arrived at the spot.
The association’s General Secretary, Adil Muneer Andrabi, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India, is among the office-bearers named in the notice.
The Kashmir Advocates Association / Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Srinagar (Regd.) strongly condemns the alleged conduct. The dignity and independence of the judiciary are essential to the rule of law and the Constitution of India. Any act that lowers the respect due to a judicial officer weakens the justice system and cannot be accepted.
The association’s Joint Secretary is Zarin Ali, Advocate.
The Kashmir Advocates Association / Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Srinagar (Regd.) therefore strongly condemns the alleged misconduct of the police personnel involved.
The association extends full support to the District Bar Association, Poonch, and the Bar Associations of Surankote and Mendhar in their protest.
The association demands a fair, impartial, and time-bound inquiry into the incident.
It also calls for the immediate suspension of the police personnel found involved, pending inquiry.
The association further demands that proper departmental action, and legal action if required, be taken against those responsible.
It urges the authorities to issue clear instructions so that judicial officers are treated with due respect at all checkpoints.
The association’s Treasurer is Zaman Irshad Parray, Advocate.
The association expects the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor’s Administration and the Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, to take prompt and effective steps to protect the dignity of the judiciary and to prevent such incidents in future.
The notice also names Surat Shakeel, Advocate, as Coordinator and Adil Parray, Advocate, as Executive Member.
The association said, “Mere expressions of regret are not enough.” It added that proper action is necessary to maintain public confidence in the system.
“Proper, visible, and time-bound action is necessary to maintain public confidence in the system and to uphold the independence of the judiciary,” the association said.
The notice was issued by the Kashmir Advocates Association / Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Srinagar (Regd.). (JKNS)
