The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a circular directing all bar associations in the Union Territories to avoid organising vulgar or inappropriate events and strictly maintain professional standards.
The circular, issued by the Registrar General on April 27 under the directions of the Supreme Court, mandated bar bodies to ensure adherence to professional decorum and ethical conduct, both within and outside the court premises.
The directive followed a controversial incident during a Holi event organised by the Kanpur Bar Association on February 27, 2026. A video of the event, which was circulated widely on social media, allegedly showed cabaret-style performances by dancers in revealing attire. Certain lawyers who were present on the occasion recorded the performances, raising concerns about professional misconduct and reputational harm to the legal fraternity.
Taking note of the incident, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant called for corrective and preventive measures to curb such conduct. In compliance, the High Court has now issued binding administrative directions to bar associations across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The circular directed the bar associations to ensure that all events conducted under their banner conformed to institutional dignity and professional ethics. It cautioned that any deviation or non-compliance may invite disciplinary action in accordance with the law. Advocates were directed to strictly follow the code of professional conduct and etiquette prescribed under the Advocates Act, 1961, and the Bar Council of India Rules. The circular emphasised maintaining dignity, sobriety, and propriety in both professional and social engagements.
The circular stated that lawyers should refrain from either participating in or associating themselves with any event, activity, or form of entertainment that may be considered vulgar, unethical, or culturally inappropriate, and which could undermine the integrity and public perception of the legal profession. It further advised the bar associations to organise awareness and sensitisation programmes to reinforce ethical standards and professional discipline among their members.
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