Jammu: The lawyers in the Jammu chapter of the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association have rejected the Indian government’s proposed draft of the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, announcing plans to protest against the move.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the advisory committee of the association convened a meeting to discuss the proposed amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961. A majority of the members opposed the draft amendments, labeling them as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and authoritative.

The meeting, chaired by Bar President K. Nirmal Kotwal, concluded that the amendments could undermine the independence of advocates and dilute the institution. “It has been unanimously decided that the IIOJK High Court Bar Association, Jammu, will hold a protest against the proposed amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961, to show solidarity with the Bar Council of India and other bar associations at the district court complex in Jammu,” Kotwal stated.

Lawyers have expressed concerns that the draft bill, proposed by India’s Law Ministry, could threaten the autonomy and independence of the legal profession. One of the most contentious provisions prohibits advocates from boycotting or abstaining from court work, a measure they argue could severely restrict their professional rights. The Indian government plans to amend the Advocates Act by making significant changes in the definitions of a legal practitioner and a law graduate.