Jammu, July 3 (JKNS): A court in Jammu has granted ad-interim relief to the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), staying the operation of a notice and a press statement allegedly issued by Javed Ahmad Kitab and temporarily restraining him from exercising the powers of the office of the President of the association till the next date of hearing.
According to the court order dated July 2, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, the order was passed by the Court of the Sub Judge/Special Mobile Magistrate, Jammu, in a civil suit filed by JKCA through its Honorary Secretary, Vivek Khajuria, seeking declaration, permanent prohibitory injunction and mandatory injunction against Kitab. The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 6.
The plaintiff submitted that despite an interim suspension allegedly imposed by the JKCA Apex Council on June 25, 2026, Kitab continued issuing communications, convening meetings and representing himself as the President of the association.
The suit further alleged that such actions created competing claims of authority, leading to confusion among affiliated units, players, officials, sponsors, banking institutions and other stakeholders regarding the lawful administration of the association.
JKCA also challenged Notice No. JKCA/PR/SGR/53 dated June 25, 2026, the Special General Meeting allegedly held on June 27, 2026, and the subsequent press statement, claiming they were unconstitutional, without authority and in violation of the JKCA Constitution as well as an earlier court order.
After hearing the parties and examining the material on record, the court observed that the plaintiff had established a prima facie case warranting interim protection.
The court held that in the absence of interim relief, competing claims of authority could result in administrative uncertainty, multiplicity of proceedings and adversely affect the governance and functioning of the association. It further observed that the balance of convenience lay in favour of the plaintiff and that irreparable loss could be caused if interim protection was not granted.
Accordingly, the court stayed the operation and effect of Notice No. JKCA/PR/SGR/53 dated June 25, 2026, the press statement dated June 27, 2026, and all consequential proceedings arising from them until the next date of hearing.
The court also restrained Javed Ahmad Kitab from representing himself before members, affiliated units, public institutions, financial institutions or other stakeholders as exercising the powers of the office of the President of JKCA. He was further barred from issuing communications or taking administrative decisions in the name of the association until the next hearing.
However, the court clarified that the interim order should not be construed as expressing any opinion on the legality of the allegations against the defendant or as recognising or affirming the validity of the resolutions passed by the JKCA Apex Council.
The court also observed that the defendant remains at liberty to file his written statement and objections, participate in proceedings before the Ombudsman and seek any relief available under law before the competent forum. (JKNS)
