J&K HC Warns Against Participation in Vulgar or Culturally Inappropriate Events at Bar Associations [Read Order]

Jammu: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a circular through the Office of the Registrar General, dated 27 April 2026, advising all advocates practising within its jurisdiction to strictly adhere to the standards of professional conduct and etiquette prescribed under Part VI, Chapter II of the Bar Council of India Rules framed under Section 49(1)(c) of the Advocates Act, 1961.

The circular further calls upon all Bar Associations within the jurisdiction of the High Court to ensure that events conducted under their banner uphold the decorum and prestige of the institution and the profession at all times, cautioning that non-compliance may invite appropriate action in accordance with law.

The circular was issued against the backdrop of a video that recently went viral on social media, depicting an event organised under the aegis of the Kanpur Bar Association, wherein performances by dancers in revealing attire were conducted. Certain members of the Bar present at the venue were seen not only encouraging such performances but also recording them on their mobile devices. The incident was strongly deprecated in a press release issued by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association dated 1 March 2026, which described the occurrence as shameful, reprehensible, and utterly disgraceful. The Chief Justice of India also reportedly took a serious view of the incident.

The circular, issued by Registrar General M.K. Sharma, reaffirms that the legal profession is a noble and pious calling entrusted with upholding the rule of law and maintaining the dignity of the justice delivery system, and that advocates, being officers of the Court, are expected to exhibit the highest standards of professional conduct both within and outside court premises.

By way of specific directions, all advocates have been advised to strictly adhere to the Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette enshrined in Part VI, Chapter II of the Bar Council of India Rules; to maintain dignity, sobriety, and propriety in all professional and social engagements, particularly at events organised by Bar Associations or under their auspices; and to refrain from participating in, promoting, or associating with any activity, event, or form of entertainment that is unethical, vulgar, or culturally inappropriate, and which may undermine the dignity of the legal profession.

The circular has been addressed to the Presidents of the J&K High Court Bar Associations at Jammu and Srinagar for information and compliance, and has also been directed to be uploaded on the official website of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and displayed on the Notice Board

[Read Order]