
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 21: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association Jammu (JKHCBAJ) today held protest within the court premises at Janipur in response to the recent enforcement of the Jammu and Kashmir Tenancy Act, 2025.
Members of the legal fraternity of whole Jammu Province completely abstained from work throughout the day as a mark of deep anguish and collective dissent against certain provisions of the new Act that, in their considered view, severely undermine the independence of the judiciary and encroach upon its established domain.
The Bar strongly expressed concern that several provisions of the J&K Tenancy Act, 2025, unjustifiably vest significant judicial and quasi-judicial powers in the hands of executive authorities, thereby striking at the very principle of separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. “Transferring adjudicatory powers traditionally exercised by judicial officers to executive functionaries dilutes the sanctity of justice delivery and weakens the confidence of the common citizen in the legal system”, the protesting lawyers said.
The Association also raised serious objections to the ongoing issue concerning the registration of various deeds as the same was also vested with the revenue authorities and the construction of a multi-storied building within the court premises at the Janipur to shelter all Tribunals and CAT within court premises.
While addressing the media, the President of the Association Nirmal Kotwal demanded from the Government that the J&K Tenancy Act, 2025 be either rolled back or its provisions be amended after consulting stakeholders within 10 days else the Association will have to resort to coercive measures.
Office bearers of the Bar– Baldev Singh (Vice President), Pardeep Majotra (General Secretary), Anshu Mahajan (Joint Secretary), Rahul Aggarwal (Treasurer), Young Lawyers Association, President Amandeep Sharma and his team of office bearers reiterated their firm commitment to safeguarding the sanctity and independence of the judiciary.
They emphasized that the legal fraternity stands united in opposing any legislative or administrative move that threatens to erode judicial authority or compromise institutional integrity.