Srinagar, Mar 12: A court in Srinagar on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah after rejecting an exemption application filed on his behalf in connection with the JKCA ‘scam’ case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The order was passed by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Srinagar during the hearing scheduled for framing of charges in the case today.
According to court records, the case pertains to alleged financial irregularities in the affairs of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), commonly referred to as the ‘JKCA scam’ case. The CBI had filed a chargesheet against several accused, including Farooq Abdullah, under Sections 120-B, 406 and 409 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
During the hearing on Thursday, sources told Kashmir Dot Com that Farooq Abdullah did not appear before the court as he was reportedly in Jammu. His counsel moved an application seeking exemption from personal appearance.
However, the CJM Srinagar rejected the plea. The court observed that despite being given an option to ensure the presence of the accused through virtual mode, the counsel did not consent.
“Keeping into view the contents of the application on behalf of Farooq Abdullah, the counsel for the accused was given an option to ensure the presence of the accused through virtual mode; however, counsel did not consent and stated that the accused could neither physically nor via virtual mode appear before the court. The application for exemption is rejected. Office is directed to issue NBW,” the court order, according to Kashmir Dot Com, reads.
Following the rejection of the exemption plea, the court issued a non-bailable warrant against Farooq Abdullah and listed the matter for further proceedings on March 30, 2026.
Earlier, in an order dated March 2, the court had observed that prima facie offences under Sections 120-B, 406 and 409 RPC were made out against the accused persons including Dr Farooq Abdullah in the JKCA scam case and had directed that charges be framed against them. The court had fixed March 12 for framing of charges and then recording of statements of approvers.
The case will now be taken up again on March 30, 2026 for further proceedings. (KDC)
