The District Bar Association (DBA) Anantnag on Saturday inaugurated a weekly lecture series aimed at strengthening professional legal skills and promoting academic engagement within the legal fraternity.
The inaugural session, held at the District Bar Room, drew strong participation from lawyers and focused on the theme “Criminal Justice System and the Art of Cross-Examination.”
The initiative has been conceptualized under the guidance of Principal District & Sessions Judge Anantnag, Tahir Khurshid Raina, and will be conducted every Saturday at 3 pm under his supervision. The program is intended as a continuing platform for capacity building and professional development of advocates practicing in the district.
Participants from the Bar appreciated the initiative, describing it as a constructive step toward enhancing legal acumen and fostering closer academic interaction between the Bench and Bar. The keynote address was delivered by senior advocate M D Shawl, who shared insights from his extensive trial court experience.
He highlighted that effective cross-examination depends on preparation, composure, and precision. Stressing courtroom discipline, he advised advocates to maintain calm while examining witnesses and to remain firmly grounded in the facts of the case.
He also emphasized the importance of visiting the scene of occurrence to better understand case circumstances and strengthen cross-examination strategy. The session concluded with an interactive discussion in which young lawyers engaged the speaker with questions on trial practice and advocacy techniques.
Speaking on behalf of the Bar Association, senior advocate Peer Shafiq expressed gratitude to the Principal District & Sessions Judge for initiating the lecture series and to senior advocate M D Shawl for sharing his experience. He said the weekly program would serve as a sustained learning platform for members of the Bar in the region.
