How the meeting of JK High Court Bar Association Jammu with the Lieutenant Governor be a nodal point for the benefit of legal fraternity & Ors

Samba Times Special

A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association Jammu (JKHCBAJ), led by President Advocate K. Nirmal Kotwal, called upon the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir at Raj Bhawan day before yesterday to discuss key issues and submit a comprehensive charter of demands. The delegation included Vice-President Advocate Baldev Singh, General Secretary Advocate Pardeep Majotra, Joint Secretary Advocate Anshu Mahajan, and Treasurer Advocate Rahul Aggarwal.

During the meeting, the Bar Association expressed its profound gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for his unwavering support and commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the legal fraternity and the larger public. They particularly lauded his administration’s focus on enhancing the welfare of the legal community, recognizing its vital role in ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law in the region.

The delegation presented a well-articulated charter of demands aimed at improving the legal infrastructure and working conditions for advocates, along with enhancing public access to judicial services. Key points in the charter included:

1. Restoration of Charges on Vakalatnama: The Association requested the reinstatement of charges and fees collected by the JKHCBAJ on Vakalatnamas, an important revenue source for the Bar.
2. Restoration of Judicial Powers to Registrars and Sub-Registrars: A strong appeal was made for the return of registration-related powers to judicial officers to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in registration matters.
3. Multi-Storey Building for Judicial Functions: The Bar Association proposed the construction of a multi-storey building within the court premises to house tribunals, commissions, registration offices, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), and other legal bodies under one roof, streamlining judicial processes for advocates and litigants alike.
4. Establishment of Medical Dispensaries: The Association stressed the need for well-equipped medical dispensaries in district court complexes across Jammu Province to address emergency medical needs for advocates, litigants, and staff.
5. Infrastructure Development: The delegation emphasized the urgent requirement for extending lawyers’ chambers and improving court infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of advocates and litigants.
6. Enhanced Security in Court Premises: The Bar Association underscored the necessity of robust security arrangements for advocates and litigants to ensure their safety within court premises.
7. Support for Young Lawyers: The delegation highlighted the need for government intervention in providing employment opportunities for young lawyers in various government departments to secure their professional growth.
8. Crèche Facilities in Court Complexes: A dedicated crèche facility was proposed to support working advocates, particularly women, ensuring a work-life balance within the legal fraternity.

The Lieutenant Governor assured the delegation of his continued support and committed to reviewing their demands in detail. He reiterated the government’s dedication for fostering a conducive environment for the legal community and strengthening the justice delivery system in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting between the J&K High Court Bar Association Jammu (JKHCBAJ) and the Lieutenant Governor reflects several key aspects:

1. Proactive Advocacy: The Bar Association’s submission of a detailed charter of demands demonstrates its proactive approach in addressing the concerns of the legal fraternity and working toward systemic improvements in the judicial infrastructure.

2. Collaboration with Governance: The meeting highlights the importance of collaboration between the legal community and the government in addressing administrative, infrastructural, and welfare-related challenges, ensuring a more efficient justice delivery system.

3. Recognition of Legal Fraternity’s Role: The gratitude expressed by the Bar Association highlights the significance of the legal profession in upholding justice and governance, while also emphasizing the need for government support to enhance its efficiency and well-being.

4. Focus on Welfare and Inclusivity: The demands presented reflect a commitment for improving the overall welfare of the legal community, including young lawyers, women advocates, and litigants. Initiatives like infrastructure development, crèche facilities, and medical dispensaries indicate a push for inclusivity and better working conditions.

5. Public-Centric Vision: By proposing measures like better court infrastructure, enhanced security, and centralized tribunals, the Bar Association showcases its dedication to serving not only advocates but also the public, aiming for a more accessible and user-friendly judicial system.

6. Institutional Growth: The emphasis on long-term infrastructure improvements and the restoration of judicial powers signifies a vision for institutional strengthening and sustainable development in the region’s legal framework.

The JKHCBAJ’s proactive approach in addressing the concerns of its members reflects its commitment to advancing the interests of the legal fraternity while contributing to the betterment of judicial infrastructure in the region. Overall, the meeting reflects a shared commitment to justice, collaboration, and continuous development of the judicial ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.