SC Seeks Centre's Response on Plea for Setting up Bar Council for Jammu & Kashmir HC

The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre, Bar Council of India (BCI), and the Jammu & Kashmir High Court on a plea by the Kashmir Advocates Association seeking the creation of a bar council in J&K.

Currently, the state lacks its own bar council, with the high court performing related functions, including enrolment and welfare matters for lawyers. 

Advocate Javid Shah highlighted the absence of government-issued welfare stamps, usually facilitated by a bar council.

The Petition cites Section 3 of the Advocates Act, which provides for the establishment of State Bar Councils. 

The court declined interim relief but requested responses from stakeholders, scheduling the next hearing after four weeks.