JAMMU, Feb 21: The Jammu chapter of the J-K High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA) expressed strong opposition to the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill. On Friday, they announced plans to hold a protest against the Central Government’s initiative this Saturday.
This decision emerged from an urgent meeting of the advisory committee at the association’s office, as reported by a spokesperson.
During the meeting, which focused on the suggested amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961, most members voiced their objections, labeling the draft amendments as “unconstitutional, undemocratic, authoritative and dictatorial.”
Chairing the meeting, bar president K Nirmal Kotwal stated that these amendments would threaten the autonomy of advocates and risk undermining the institution itself.
“It has been unanimously agreed that the J-K High Court Bar Association, Jammu, will stage a protest against the suggested changes to the Advocates Act, 1961, in solidarity with the Bar Council of India and other bar associations. This will take place at the district court complex in Jammu on Saturday,” Kotwal remarked.
The proposed amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961, seek to significantly alter the definitions related to legal practitioners and law graduates.
As per the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a law graduate is defined as an individual who holds a bachelor’s degree in law—either a three or five-year program—or any other duration as specified, from a legal education center, an institution established by law, or a college affiliated with a university recognized by the Bar Council of India. (Agencies)
