Why Democracy Must Return To J & K Bar Association

2025-03-24 03:17:04

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) The Way Forward

The solution to this crisis is clear:

1. Immediate Announcement of Free and Fair Elections – Since the Association is now duly registered, elections must be held at the earliest under an independent and impartial election body.

2. Strict Enforcement of Democratic Norms – All decisions must follow due process, with regular general body meetings and complete transparency in financial and administrative matters.

3. Oversight Mechanism to Prevent Future Abuse of Power – A structured institutional framework must be put in place to ensure democratic functioning and prevent future irregularities.

The legal fraternity plays a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democracy. It is therefore unacceptable that its own representative body is functioning in a manner that contradicts these very principles. If immediate steps are not taken, the credibility of the Bar Association will suffer irreversible damage, affecting not just lawyers but also the broader legal and judicial system.

The people of Jammu & Kashmir have already shown their commitment to democracy. Now, it is time for the legal community to be given the same opportunity. The government must act now to ensure that the J&K High Court Bar Association returns to a truly democratic and transparent system, where every lawyer has the right to participate in shaping the future of their profession. The elections of the Bar Association are not just necessary-they are the need of the hour.

Views expressed in the article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer

Hasnain Khawja is a Chevening Scholar and a practicing advocate at High Court of J&K.

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