Samba Bar Association Submits Memorandum to Chief Minister Seeking Redressal of Grievances

Samba, J&K: Advocates practicing at the District Court Complex, Samba, have submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir through Ajay Gupta President Bar Association Samba, highlighting pressing concerns and seeking immediate redressal. The memorandum, drafted by the Bar Association Samba, sheds light on the growing challenges faced by advocates, litigants, and the judicial system in the region.

Key Issues and Demands:

1. Shortage of Advocate Chambers: With over 200 advocates practicing in Samba and only 40 chambers available, the Bar Association emphasized the dire need for additional chambers, particularly to accommodate new entrants, including female advocates.
2. Court Staff Shortage: The advocates pointed to the delay in the delivery of justice caused by insufficient court staff, urging the government to address this manpower issue at the earliest.
3. Registration Work: A demand was raised to bring registration work under Judicial Magistrates or relocate the Registrar Office near the District Court Complex for the convenience of litigants.
4. Establishment of Special Courts: The Bar Association pressed for the creation of a dedicated NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Court and a Family Court for timely disposal of pending cases.
5. Revenue Cases: Advocates recommended appointing specific judicial officers to handle revenue-related cases separately, reducing the burden on executive officers.
6. Implementation of the Public Service Guarantee Act: The memorandum urged the government to ensure strict implementation of the Act to enhance transparency and accountability.
7. Exemption of Stamp Duty and Court Fee: Advocates proposed exemptions or reductions in stamp duty for family-related property transfers (e.g., gift deeds between close relatives) and succession certificates, easing the financial strain on litigants.
8. Reintroduction of Physical Stamp Papers: Highlighting the inconvenience caused by low-denomination e-stamps, advocates suggested reintroducing physical stamp papers for denominations up to ₹100.
9. Constitution of the State Bar Council: The Bar Association called for the establishment of a State Bar Council in Jammu and Kashmir for the welfare and regulation of legal professionals.
10. Annual Welfare Package for Advocates: A request was made for a dedicated annual welfare fund to support financially vulnerable bar members.
11. Exemption of Fees for Change of Land Use: Advocates sought fee reductions or exemptions for rural residents intending to establish industries or businesses for employment purposes.
12. Issues with Jammu Development Authority (JDA): The Bar Association highlighted difficulties in securing permissions for commercial activities in rural areas, citing the absence of designated housing or commercial zones by the JDA.
13. Environmental Concerns in Samba: With Samba emerging as a major industrial hub, the Bar stressed the importance of ensuring environmental sustainability. They urged strict enforcement of environmental laws and impact assessments to mitigate pollution and promote sustainable development.

The memorandum concluded with an appeal to the Hon’ble Chief Minister to take necessary action and direct the concerned authorities to resolve these grievances. The Bar Association assured full cooperation with the government in its mission to improve the justice delivery system in the region.

“The advocates and general public of District Samba look forward to the government’s timely intervention to address these challenges,” the memorandum stated.