Jammu, July 3 (KNB): A Jammu court has granted interim relief to the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) by staying the operation of certain notices and a press statement allegedly issued by its President, Javed Ahmad Kitab, while restraining him from representing himself as the association’s President or exercising its administrative powers until the next hearing.
The order was passed by the Court of the Sub Judge/Special Mobile Magistrate, Jammu, on July 2 in a civil suit filed by JKCA through its Honorary Secretary, Vivek Khajuria. The association has sought declarations, permanent prohibitory injunction and mandatory injunction against Kitab, alleging that he continued to act as President despite being placed under interim suspension by the JKCA Apex Council on June 25.
According to the suit, the Apex Council had suspended Kitab pending adjudication of disciplinary charges and appointed Vice-President Desh Rattan Dubey as the Officiating President. However, JKCA alleged that Kitab continued issuing communications, convened a Special General Meeting on June 27 and issued a press statement claiming to act as the President, despite the suspension and earlier court proceedings concerning the association.
The association contended that these actions violated its Constitution, created confusion among affiliated units, players, officials, sponsors and financial institutions, and interfered with the day-to-day functioning of the cricket body. It also sought directions restraining Kitab from issuing any communication or taking decisions in the name of JKCA.
After hearing both parties, the court observed that the plaintiff had established a prima facie case and that permitting parallel claims of authority could result in administrative uncertainty and irreparable harm to the functioning of the association.
Pending disposal of the application, the court stayed the operation and effect of the notice dated June 25, 2026, the press statement dated June 27, 2026, and all consequential actions. It further restrained Kitab from representing himself before members, affiliated units, public authorities, financial institutions or other stakeholders as exercising the powers of the President of JKCA. He has also been restrained from issuing communications or taking administrative decisions in the name of the association until the next date of hearing.
The court clarified that the interim order does not amount to a final opinion on the legality of the allegations or the validity of the resolutions passed by the JKCA Apex Council. It also stated that Kitab is free to file his written statement and objections, and seek appropriate legal remedies before the competent forum. The matter has been listed for further proceedings on July 6, 2026. (KNB)