Srinagar, Nov 3: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Srinagar has stayed the operation of the impugned order dated September 24, 2026 passed by the Principal District Judge Shopian in the Siraj-ul-Uloom Welfare Foundation case.
The interim order was passed on November 2, 2026 by a Division Bench comprising Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani in CM(M) No. 496/2026 titled Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Others versus Siraj-ul-Uloom Welfare Foundation, Hillow and Another, along with CM(7472/2026) and Caveat 2453/2026.
The UT of J&K and other petitioners were represented by Senior Additional Advocate General Mohsin S. Qadri, assisted by Maha Majeed, Assisting Counsel. The respondents were represented by Senior Advocate Z.A. Qureshi assisted by Advocate Razia Amin.
With the appearance of Mr. Z.A. Qureshi, the caveat stands discharged.
After hearing the parties, the Division Bench issued notice, which was waived by counsel appearing for the respondents. The respondents sought and were granted four weeks’ time to file objections.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on February 1, 2027.
In the meanwhile, subject to objections and till next date of hearing, the Division Bench ordered stay on operation of the impugned order.
While passing interim directions, the Court specifically safeguarded the educational interests of students. The Bench made it clear that the students, if any, studying in the school run by the respondent-company on the date of issuance of the order impugned shall not be disturbed and the petitioners shall ensure that the students’ ongoing studies and future education are not adversely affected in any manner.
The High Court further clarified that the Trial Court shall proceed with determination of issues raised and dispose of the main petition on merits.
The impugned order dated September 24, 2026 was passed by Principal District Judge Shopian Mehmood Ahmed Chowdhary in File No. 63/Misc under Section 8(8) UAPA, where the Court had moulded interim relief and ordered constitution of an Ad-hoc Committee for Preservation and Educational Management under supervision of Provisional Liquidator appointed by NCLT Chandigarh Bench, declining direct restoration of possession to management.
The High Court’s stay will operate till next date of hearing.(GNS)
