Jammu: The lawyers in the Jammu chapter of 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. The majority of the members opposed the draft amendments, labeling them unconstitutional and undemocratic.

The meeting, chaired by Bar President K Nirmal Kotwal, concluded that the amendments could undermine the independence of advocates. Kotwal announced that the association will hold a protest at the district court complex in Jammu, aligning with the Bar Council of India and other bar associations.

Lawyers have expressed their concerns regarding the draft bill proposed by India’s Law Ministry. They argue that the bill threatens the autonomy and independence of the legal profession, particularly a provision that prohibits advocates from boycotting or abstaining from court work. The proposed amendments seek to redefine key terms such as legal practitioner and law graduate.