Newly Elected Team of J&K High Court Bar Association Jammu Calls Upon Chief Minister: Raises Key Issues
Jammu, January 17, 2025:
The newly elected team of the J&K High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA), Jammu, led by President Advocate K. Nirmal Kotwal, Vice-President Advocate Baldev Singh, General Secretary Advocate Pardeep Majotra, Joint Secretary Advocate Anshu Mahajan, and Treasurer Advocate Rahul Aggarwal, met with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir today. The team extended heartfelt congratulations to the Chief Minister on his election and expressed gratitude for his continued support towards the welfare of the legal fraternity and the people of the region.
During the meeting, the association submitted a memorandum detailing a comprehensive charter of demands aimed at enhancing the working conditions and welfare of advocates and litigants. The key issues highlighted include:
Primary Demands:
- Restoration of Charges/Fees on Vakalatnama: The association requested the reinstatement of charges to support welfare activities for members.
- Transfer of Powers of Registrars: A demand was made to restore judicial powers of Registrars and Sub-Registrars to judicial officers.
- Infrastructure Development: This includes constructing a multi-storey building to accommodate tribunals, commissions, and other legal facilities within the court premises.
Additional Infrastructure Needs:
Establishment of medical dispensaries in district court complexes.
Construction of additional chambers for advocates.
Installation of water plants, digital libraries, and modern amenities like AC systems in court premises.
Welfare and Support:
Security Measures: Ensuring the safety of advocates and litigants within court premises.
Support for Young Lawyers: Proposals for better career adjustment mechanisms for new entrants.
Residential Colony: Allocation of land for advocates’ housing projects.
Social Welfare Initiatives:
Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive insurance for lawyers and their dependents.
Stipends for New Entrants: A monthly stipend of ₹20,000 for lawyers with up to 5 years of practice.
Financial Assistance: Support for lawyers in cases of untimely death, disease, or accidents.
Policy Reforms:
The association emphasized amending existing policies to allow competent advocates, alongside retired judges, to hold positions in tribunals, commissions, and forums, thus ensuring equal opportunities.
The meeting highligted the critical role of the legal community in the administration of justice and appealed for the government’s timely intervention in addressing these demands.
The association’s initiatives aim to strengthen the legal framework while ensuring the welfare of its members, marking a significant step forward for the legal fraternity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Recent Meeting with LG Manoj Sinha
It is pertinent to mention that just days earlier, the JKHCBAJ also met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to highlight the same demands. The association’s persistent efforts emphasize the urgent need for reforms that will not only uplift the legal fraternity but also strengthen the justice delivery system in Jammu and Kashmir.
The association’s approach recognizes the symbiotic relationship between advocates’ welfare and public interest. A well-supported legal community is better equipped to uphold the rule of law and provide timely justice, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
By addressing these demands, the government has the opportunity to set a precedent for fostering a robust legal system that works in the best interest of advocates and the general public alike.
