Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Jammu, has been formally registered with the Registrar of Societies, nearly 99 years after its establishment, marking a historic milestone for the legal body.
Chief Justice Arun Palli of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh congratulated the Bar on the achievement, while terming it a significant step forward for institutional recognition.
Neelam Khajuria formally handed the registration certificate to the Association’s office bearers in the presence of the Chief Justice and companion judges of the High Court.
Bar Association President Nirmal Kotwal described the occasion a “historic day”.
“The registration of an institution is of immense importance as it provides legal recognition and enables members to avail various benefits,” he told reporters here.
Kotwal said the lack of registration posed challenges for stakeholders in the past, but the formal recognition would now facilitate institutional support and streamline the Association’s functioning.
He acknowledged the contributions of several officials in the process, including SSP Jammu Tajinder Singh Rana, SSP CID GL Sharma and former Director Industries Arun Raina, among others.
Kotwal also announced plans to introduce group insurance schemes for lawyers and extend multiple welfare benefits to members in the near future.
He expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice for various developmental initiatives, including providing space for clerks and the Advocates’ Club, which addressed long-pending issues faced by legal staff.
The Association raised concerns regarding infrastructure for young lawyers and urged the judiciary to facilitate the construction of pre-fabricated workspaces for around 400–500 young advocates.
The request was made in the presence of the Administrative Judge, Justice Sindhu Sharma.
The event concluded with appreciation for the judiciary’s continued support in strengthening the legal infrastructure and promoting lawyer welfare in the region.
