The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued notice on a writ petition challenging the government’s notification dated August 5, 2025, which ordered the forfeiture of 25 books under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The Court after hearing Mr Rajiv Shakdher, Senior Advocate has called upon the state to file a response to the petition and has posted the matter for consideration on 4 December 2025.
The petitioner, a law student and domicile of the Union Territory, contends that the notification alleging that the banned books propagate false narratives, glorify terrorism, or promote secessionist ideologies was passed without specific grounds or evidence and violates fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.
Appearances:
Petitioners: Mr. Rajiv Shakdher, Sr. Adv., Mr. Shuja ul Haq, Mr. Adeel Ahmed, Mr. Karan Khetani, Mr. Jonathan Ivan Ranjan, Advs.
