Jammu, January 17, 2025: The newly elected team of the J&K High Court Bar Association, 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, called upon the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir today.
During the meeting, the Office Bearers, on behalf of the Bar Association, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for his election as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir with an overwhelming mandate. The delegation also expressed their sincere gratitude for the Chief Minister’s ongoing support in addressing the needs and demands of the people of the region, particularly in enhancing the welfare of the legal fraternity, whose contribution remains vital to the administration of justice in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Association took this opportunity to present a memorandum/charter of demands to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, requesting immediate attention to the following issues that impact both the legal community and the broader public:
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- Restoration of Charges/Fees on Vakalatnama: A request to allow the JKHCBAJ to charge and collect fees for the welfare of its members.
- Restoration of Powers of Registrars/Sub-Registrars: Advocating for the return of powers to judicial officers for a more efficient and transparent judicial process.
- Multi-Storey Building for Tribunals, Commissions, and Registration Work: The establishment of a multi-storey building to house various tribunals, commissions, and other legal bodies within the court premises.
- Establishment of Medical Dispensaries: The need for medical dispensaries at District Court Complexes across the Jammu province to ensure the well-being of advocates and litigants.
- Infrastructure Development: Including:
- Completion of the construction of the 1st and 2nd floors of the Lawyer’s Canteen at the J&K High Court, Jammu.
- Development of multi-storey parking at the District Court Complex, Janipur.
- Repair of the roof of the Atrium in District Courts and installation of ACs in the dome area.
- Construction of additional lawyers’ chambers to accommodate the growing number of advocates.
- Installation of a water plant to provide drinking water to advocates and litigants.
- Provision of 10 computers with printers and necessary software.
- Establishment of a digital library for both the High Court and subordinate courts.
- Security for Advocates and Litigants: Ensuring the safety and security of legal professionals and the public within court premises.
- Adjustment of Young Lawyers: Addressing the challenges faced by new entrants in the legal profession.
- Allotment of Land for Advocate Residential Colony/Society: Request for a dedicated space to set up a residential colony for advocates.
- Dedicated Crèche Facility: Providing a crèche facility at the court complex to support working parents in the legal community.
- Insurance Cover for Lawyers and Their Families: Providing insurance benefits for advocates and their dependents to ensure financial security in times of need.
- Stipend for Needy New Entrants: Offering a stipend of Rs. 20,000 per month for the first five years of practice to help young lawyers establish themselves.
- Financial Protection for Lawyers and Their Dependents: Implementing measures to provide financial security in case of untimely death or incapacity due to illness, accident, etc.
- Appointment of Competent Advocates to Tribunals/Commissions: Advocating for the amendment of relevant laws to allow competent advocates, in addition to retired judges, to be appointed as presiding officers or members of various tribunals and commissions.
The delegation expressed hope that the Hon’ble Chief Minister would consider these vital issues with urgency, as they are crucial to the well-being of the legal community and to the improvement of the judicial infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Bar Association remains committed to working alongside the government to ensure the development of a more efficient and accessible legal system for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.