Advocate in Jammu removed from Bar Council over forged degrees

High Court mandates all advocates enrolled with Bar Council of J&K to re-submit verification forms

SRINAGAR: In a significant decision, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has revoked the Certificate of Enrollment of Advocate over forged degrees.
The certificate of Joginder Singh Salathi, S/o Ganpat Singh Salathi, resident of Gurah Salathian, Samba, was revoked. The decision came after the Disciplinary Committee investigated allegations regarding forged educational qualifications.
The disciplinary order, dated October 18, 2024, in Complaint No. JMU-32/23, titled Somant Singh vs. Joginder Singh Salathia, confirmed that Salathi's B.A and LL.B degrees were fake and forged.
The Certificate of Enrollment (No. 335/2003) issued on September 16, 2003, under Notification No. 205, has been declared invalid. Consequently, Salathi's name has been removed from the Roll of the Bar Council of Jammu & Kashmir.
Registrar General Shahzad Azeem issued the official notification on December 21, 2024, underscoring the court’s commitment to maintaining integrity within the legal profession. The Bar Council and judiciary have reiterated their zero-tolerance stance toward malpractice and misrepresentation among advocates.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has mandated all advocates enrolled with the Bar Council of Jammu and Kashmir to re-submit their verification forms in compliance with the Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015.
As per Notification No. 555/RG/LP issued by Registrar General Shahzad Azeem, advocates are required to provide self-attested copies of their enrollment certificates, educational qualification certificates, and identification documents. The deadline for submission is December 31, 2024, and applications must be submitted through the respective Principal District and Sessions Judges or Registrar Judicial offices.
The notification emphasizes that only complete applications will be entertained. The initiative aims to enhance accountability and standardize the professional credentials of practicing advocates.
Failure to comply with these directives could result in the denial of the Certificate of Practice. This action follows a Supreme Court judgment highlighting the need for rigorous implementation of the verification rules to maintain integrity within the legal profession.
The Bar Council has called on advocates to prioritize compliance, ensuring the smooth continuation of their legal practices.