Jammu Lawyers Stand United Against Draft Advocates Bill

The J-K High Court Bar Association's Jammu chapter opposes the Central government's Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill. They plan a protest, citing concerns over the bill's impact on the independence of advocates and legal definitions. An urgent meeting labeled the amendments as unconstitutional and authoritative.

The Jammu chapter of the J-K High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA) has announced its opposition to the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill proposed by the Central government. A protest will be staged on Saturday as a demonstration against the amendments.

An urgent meeting at the association's office saw members express worries that the proposed changes are "unconstitutional" and "authoritative." The amendments could potentially undermine the independence of advocates, according to bar president K Nirmal Kotwal.

The government aims to redefine legal practitioners and law graduates with these changes, prompting the association to show solidarity with the Bar Council of India and other groups by protesting at the district court complex in Jammu.

(With inputs from agencies.)