Recently, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Union of India and the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court in response to an Article 32 writ petition filed by the Kashmir Advocates Association.

The petition seeks the establishment of the Bar Council for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Rajesh Bindal after very briefly hearing Advocate Javed Shaikh, issued notice.

At the outset, Shaikh submitted: "This is a writ petition under Article 32 field by Kashmir Advocates Association. Mylords, there is no Bar Council in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir."

To this, Justice Nath responded: "Alright, issue notice returnable within 4 weeks."

Shaikh further emphasized that he is seeking interim relief, stating: "Your lordships are aware of the welfare tickets, which are to be published by the Government upon the Bar Council's request. Currently, the functions of the Bar Council are being carried out by the High Court. Therefore, I request a small indulgence, with the Registrar possibly directing the Government to print them."

However, before he could complete it, Justice Nath interjected and stated that the Court can't grant an interim order. He said: "Whatever system is there so far will continue...Is High Court a party? Let the notice go and let them come."

Justice Bindal also questioned this interim request and said: "Where will the funds go when there is no Bar Council?"

Case Details|KASHMIR ADVOCATES ASSOCIATION v. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.|W.P.(C) No. 66/2025