1 S. No. 39 Suppl. Cause List IN THE HIGH COURT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH AT SRINAGAR WP(C) No. 265/2026 CM No. 673/2026 Bashir Ahmad Malik and Ors. …Appellant/Petitioner(s) Through: Mr. F. A. Bhat, Advocate Vs. UT of J&K and Ors. ...Respondent(s) Through: CORAM: HON’BLE MS JUSTICE SINDHU SHARMA, JUDGE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE SHAHZAD AZEEM, JUDGE O R D E R 17.02.2026 01. The petitioners, who are licenced petition-writers duly registered and authorized under the Jammu and Kashmir Petition Writers Licensing and Conduct (Revised) Rules, 1971, as well as the Registration Act, 1908, have moved this Court seeking quashing of S.O. 25 dated 31st January 2026, issued by the Inspector General of Registration, J&K. 02. The impugned notification was issued in exercise of powers conferred under Section 69 read with Section 16A of the Registration Act, 1908, aimed at regulating the digital execution of documents, paperless registration, maintenance of electronic books, and the issuance of certified copies from electronic records. 03. The primary grievance of the petitioners is that the impugned S.O. was issued without prior consultation with stakeholders, including licensed petition writers and their respective professional bodies. It is further contended that no impact assessment was conducted regarding 2 the livelihood implications for approximately 1000 licensed petition writers operating across the Union Territory. 04. Learned counsel for the petitioners, at the threshold, submits that a representation dated 16th January 2026 was submitted before the Inspector General of Registration, J&K. However, the said representation remains pending and has not been considered to date, thereby constraining the petitioners to approach this Court through the instant writ petition. 05. Learned counsel further submits that the petitioners would be satisfied if the writ petition is disposed of, at this stage, with a direction to the respondents to consider and decide the aforementioned representation within a time-bound period. 06. In view of the submissions made and the nature of the relief sought, this Court finds it unnecessary to keep this petition pending on board. Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the respondents to consider and decide the petitioners' representation dated 16th January 2026, in accordance with the law. 07. The decision shall be taken within a period of eight weeks from the date a certified copy of this order is served upon the respondents. 08. Disposed of accordingly. (SHAHZAD AZEEM) (SINDHU SHARMA) JUDGE JUDGE SRINAGAR 17.02.2026 Manzoor