JNM | Journalist: Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
A local court in Srinagar has ordered the framing of charges against National Conference President Farooq Abdullah and other accused in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) scam. The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 12, 2026, when charges will be formally framed.
In its five-page order, the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Tabassum stated that after the framing of charges, the statements of the key witnesses in the case (plaintiffs No. 3 and 6) will be recorded as evidence. The court also stated that if any witness turns hostile, appropriate action will be taken against them as per the law.
During the hearing, the court rejected the Enforcement Directorate’s plea seeking to be made a party in the case. The court noted that the case was filed after an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the charge sheet did not contain any specific offenses that could legally warrant the Enforcement Directorate’s intervention.
The court also noted that the Enforcement Directorate’s petition was vague and contradictory. The petition sought the addition of now-repealed sections 411 and 414 of the Indian Penal Code, which are not applicable from July 1, 2024. The court clarified that the Enforcement Directorate’s jurisdiction is primarily limited to investigating cases related to money laundering.
The court stated in its order that the elements of Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 409 (misappropriation of public office) of the Indian Penal Code were initially made out against the accused. Therefore, the court ordered that charges be framed against the accused under these sections.
However, the court also clarified that additional charges could be added at any time during the trial, based on evidence and witness statements.
This highly publicized scam involving the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association involves allegations of alleged financial irregularities totaling approximately ₹113 crore. Following this court order, all eyes are now on the hearing scheduled for March 12th.
