In a significant development for the legal fraternity, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has designated 15 advocates as Senior Advocates, including six women lawyers. The designation has been made effective from May 22, 2026.

The newly designated Senior Advocates are Arifa Jan, Ajay K. Gandotra, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, Rozina Afzal, Pran Nath Bhat, Abdul Rashid Malik, Monika Kohli, Adarsh Kumar Sharma, Pawan Kumar Kundal, Mandeep Reen, Radha Sharma, Ajay Pal Singh, Anshuja Sharma Tak, Manzoor Ali, and Vikas Mangotra.

Among them, Arifa Jan, Rozina Afzal, Monika Kohli, Mandeep Reen, Radha Sharma, and Anshuja Sharma Tak are the six women advocates who have been conferred the prestigious designation.

The conferment of Senior Advocate status is one of the highest professional recognitions available to advocates in India. The designation is granted by constitutional courts to lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional legal ability, professional integrity, and significant contributions to the field of law.

The elevation of six women advocates is being viewed as a positive step toward greater representation of women in senior positions within the legal profession. The decision reflects the growing presence and contribution of women at the Bar in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Senior Advocates occupy a distinct position in the legal system and are expected to assist courts on complex legal issues while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and advocacy. The latest designations are expected to further strengthen the legal community in the Union Territories.