NEW DELHI, Jan 31: The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Union of India and the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh concerning a writ petition filed under Article 32 by the Kashmir Advocates Association, which is advocating for a Bar Council in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
A bench composed of Justices Vikram Nath and Rajesh Bindal heard a brief argument from Advocate Javed Shaikh, who stated, “This writ petition, submitted by the Kashmir Advocates Association, highlights the fact that there is currently no Bar Council in Jammu & Kashmir.”
To this, Justice Nath replied, “Understood, we will issue a notice with a response due in four weeks.”
Advocate Shaikh also requested interim relief, expressing, “As your lordships are aware, welfare tickets must be issued by the Government at the Bar Council’s request. Presently, the High Court is handling functions that fall under the Bar Council. A small indulgence may allow the Registrar to ask the Government to proceed with printing the tickets…”
Before he could elaborate, Justice Nath interrupted, stating that the Court could not grant an interim order: “The existing system will continue as is. Is the High Court involved in this matter? Let the notice be served, and we will await their response.” Justice Bindal further inquired about the interim request, asking, “Where will the funding be allocated in the absence of a Bar Council?” (livelaw)
