Jammu, Aug 19, 2025 : In a major development in the murder of Advocate Babar Qadri, the special NIA court in Jammu has formally framed charges against Advocate Mian Abdul Qayoom, former president of the J&K High Court Bar Association (Kashmir).
Qayoom faces charges under Sections 16, 18, and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, relating to committing a terrorist act, conspiracy, and association with a terrorist organisation. The charges stem from a State Investigation Agency (SIA) chargesheet that named him as the principal conspirator.
Qadri, a young lawyer, television panelist, and founder of the Kashmir Lawyers Club, was shot dead on September 24, 2020, at his Srinagar residence by assailants posing as clients. Known for his outspoken criticism of the Kashmir Bar Association, Qadri had accused Qayoom of using the body to push a secessionist agenda.
Investigators allege Qadri’s killing was executed through operatives of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy. The case, initially probed in Srinagar, was transferred to the SIA in July 2023 over concerns of interference. Qayoom was arrested on June 25, 2024.
His legal challenges—including a habeas corpus petition—were dismissed by the J&K and Ladakh High Court in February 2025, which upheld both the arrest and the ongoing investigation.
