MUZAFFARABAD: In a move aimed at strengthening judicial accountability and preventing the misuse of public resources, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) High Court on Thursday barred state law officers from representing public servants facing contempt of court proceedings.

Under a circular issued on the orders of Acting Chief Justice Syed Shahid Bahar, government counsel — including the advocate general, additional advocate general, assistant advocate general and other state law officers — will no longer be allowed to appear or argue on behalf of alleged contemnors.

The circular, which takes immediate effect and applies to both pending and future contempt cases before the High Court, also makes personal appearance mandatory for officials accused of contempt. Under the new rules, an alleged contemnor must appear in person on the first date of hearing and continue to attend all subsequent proceedings unless specifically exempted by the court.

Any exemption from personal appearance would require an explicit order of the High Court, which may also permit representation through privately engaged counsel. The High Court registry directed all relevant branches, judicial officers and state law officers to ensure immediate and strict compliance with the instructions.

Legal observers described the move as a significant step towards discouraging the long-standing practice of using state-funded legal representation for public officials facing contempt proceedings and reinforcing personal accountability before the court.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2026