Srinagar, Aug 18: A Special Court designated under the NIA Act has framed charges against Advocate Mian Abdul Qayoom, former President of the Kashmir High Court Bar Association, in connection with the 2020 murder of Advocate Babar Qadri.
Qayoom has been charged under Sections 16, 18, and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The State Investigation Agency (SIA), which took over the case in July 2023 citing concerns over interference and intimidation, had earlier filed the chargesheet naming Qayoom as the principal conspirator.
Advocate Babar Qadri, a young and outspoken lawyer, was shot dead at his residence in Zahidpora, Hawal on September 24, 2020. He was attacked by gunmen posing as clients shortly after returning from court. Known for his strong public views and television appearances, Qadri was openly critical of Qayoom, accusing him of using the Bar Association to push a separatist agenda. He had also founded the Kashmir Lawyers Club, a dissident group within the legal fraternity.
Qayoom was arrested on June 25, 2024, for allegedly orchestrating the killing through operatives of The Resistance Front (TRF), a group believed to be a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Earlier this year, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court dismissed Qayoom’s habeas corpus plea and rejected his challenge to the arrest and remand process, upholding the legality of the investigation.
At the framing of charges, Qayoom was represented by senior advocates R.A. Jan, Z.A. Qureshi, and Advocate Zulkernain Sheikh. The prosecution team included several Special Public Prosecutors, with support from the SIA’s Pairvi Officer.
