 Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 26: In a significant development concerning the affairs of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), the Court of Sub-Judge/Special Railway Magistrate, Jammu, has directed that no decision taken in the proposed Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for September 27, 2026 shall be declared and that any such decision will remain subject to the outcome of the pending interim application. Sub-Judge Sandeep Singh Sen passed the interim order in a suit for declaration filed by Modern Cricket Club Jammu through its President Sudershan Mehta, challenging the election process of the JKCA and the subsequent declaration of results.
The plaintiff, represented by Advocates Parveen Kapahi and Paras Kapahi, has arrayed several persons and authorities as defendants, including JKCA office-bearers Javid Kitab, Desh Rattan Dubey, Vivek Khajuria, Rajan Singh and Wajahat Majeed, besides Electoral Officer A.K. Joti, former JKCA Ombudsman Justice L. Narasimha Reddy (Retd), the BCCI and others.
According to the suit, the plaintiff has questioned the JKCA election conducted on January 16, 2026, whose results were subsequently declared on May 21, 2026. It has been alleged that the election was contrary to the rules and regulations of the Association and that several clubs and their representatives, who had participated in earlier working committee and election meetings, were deprived of their alleged right to participate and vote.
The plaintiff has sought a declaration that the election and the election of defendants No. 1 to 5 are illegal and void. It has also sought fresh elections of the JKCA through an independent commissioner or receiver. The suit further contains allegations concerning the nomination of defendant Balbir Singh Chib as President of Modern Cricket Club, which the plaintiff has disputed. These assertions are presently allegations made in the suit and have yet to be adjudicated on merits.
While considering the accompanying application for temporary injunction, the Court observed that, at this stage, the plaintiff had made out a strong prima facie case, the balance of convenience tilted in its favour and refusal of interim protection could cause irreparable loss.
Considering the matter emergent, the Court dispensed with prior notice under Order 39 Rule 3 CPC and issued notice to the opposite side.
The Court ordered that, in the meantime, any decision arising from the proposed AGM of September 27 shall not be declared and shall remain subject to the outcome of the interim application. The Court clarified that the order would remain subject to objections from the other side.
The matter has been listed for further proceedings on October 23, 2026. (JNF) |
