“Advocates Must Maintain Decorum”: J&K And Ladakh High Court Issue Circular Against Vulgar Conduct In Bar Events After Kanpur Incident
The High Court has issued a circular cautioning members of the Bar to uphold dignity and ethical standards after a viral dancing video from a Kanpur Bar Association event drew strong disapproval.
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a circular directing advocates to maintain professional decorum and ethical conduct, particularly in events organised under the aegis of Bar Associations, following a controversial incident at the Kanpur Bar Association.
The circular, issued by the Office of the Registrar General, noted that “a video has recently gone viral on social media depicting an event organized under the aegis of the Kanpur Bar Association, wherein performances by dancers in revealing attire were being conducted,” and further recorded that “certain members of the Bar present at the venue were not only encouraging such performances but were also recording the same on their mobile devices.”
Referring to the response to the incident, the circular highlighted that it has been strongly deprecated in a press release issued by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association dated 1st March, 2026, which termed the occurrence as “shameful, reprehensible, and utterly disgraceful.” It further noted that “Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India has also taken a serious view of the matter.”
Emphasising the nature of the legal profession, the High Court observed 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 reiterated that “advocates, being officers of the Court, are expected to exhibit the highest standards of professional conduct, both within and outside court premises.”
In this context, the circular specifically advised that advocates must “strictly adhere to the Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette as enshrined in Part VI, Chapter II of the Bar Council of India Rules framed under Section 49(1)(c) of the Advocates Act, 1961.”
The High Court further reminded members of the Bar “to maintain dignity, sobriety and propriety in all professional and social engagements, particularly in events organized within Bar Associations or under their auspices,” and directed them “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.”
Additionally, the circular called upon Bar Associations to ensure institutional discipline, stating that “all Bar Associations within the jurisdiction of this High Court are also requested to ensure that events conducted under their banner uphold the decorum and prestige of the institution and the profession at all times.”
The High Court cautioned that “non-compliance with the above may invite appropriate action in accordance with law,” and directed that the same be brought to the notice of all concerned for strict compliance.
The communication was marked to the Presidents of the J&K High Court Bar Associations at Jammu and Srinagar, with directions for circulation and upload on the official website of the High Court.