Srinagar, November 3, KDC: The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has stayed the operation of an interim order passed by the Principal District Judge, Shopian, on September 24, 2026, in the Siraj-ul-Uloom Welfare Foundation case, following a petition filed by the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and others challenging the order.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani passed the order on Monday while issuing notice to the respondents and granting them four weeks to file their objections.
The Bench recorded that notice had been waived on behalf of the respondents by their counsel, Ms Razia Amin. It directed that, subject to objections and until the next date of hearing, the operation of the impugned order shall remain stayed.
The High Court, however, made a specific provision to protect students studying at the school run by the respondent company on the date the impugned order was issued. It directed that such students shall not be disturbed and that the petitioners must ensure their ongoing studies and future education are not adversely affected.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on February 1, 2027.
The case stems from an administrative action taken against Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom at Hillow, Imam Sahib, Shopian, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
On April 24, 2026, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg issued an order under Section 8(1) of the UAPA declaring the institution an unlawful entity/place under the Act.
The action followed a dossier submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian, which cited alleged legal, administrative and financial irregularities, questionable land acquisition, alleged links with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami and concerns regarding the institution’s functioning.
The government order also referred to alleged financial opacity and claims that the institution had fostered an environment conducive to radicalisation. These remain allegations recorded in the administrative action and should not be treated as final judicial findings.
The Foundation challenged the action, disputing the allegations and seeking legal relief.
Meanwhile, on June 11, 2026, the Chandigarh Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal passed an order in separate proceedings initiated by the Registrar of Companies, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, against the Foundation under Sections 271 and 272 of the Companies Act, 2013.
The tribunal appointed the Official Liquidator attached to the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court as Provisional Liquidator and directed that charge of the company’s affairs, assets and records be taken over pending further proceedings.
Subsequently, the Foundation approached the Principal District Judge, Shopian, seeking interim relief in connection with the action against the institution. The court passed its order on September 24, 2026, which has now been stayed by the High Court. (KDC)
