The Bar Council of India (BCI) removed Sanjeev Nasiar, head of AAP’s legal cell, over concerns regarding the authenticity of his LLB (Hons) degree. Following a detailed inquiry, the BCI declared the degree “highly questionable.” AAP has strongly opposed the decision, criticizing the council’s findings. The issue raises concerns about professional integrity and political accountability.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) removed Sanjeev Nasiar from his position as vice chairman of the Bar Council of Delhi, citing allegations of faking his law degree. Nasiar, who also serves as the president of the Aam Aadmi Party’s legal cell, accused the BJP of using the Bar Council against him as a political weapon.
He remarked in a press conference,
“I am not afraid of any action or investigation. I welcome any inquiry by the CBI or any other authority. I will not be intimidated. Every document of mine has already been verified, and the high court has upheld this,”
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The BCI announced that its thorough investigation raised serious doubts about the authenticity of Nasiar’s LLB (Hons) degree. According to a release signed by BCI secretary Srimanto Sen, the general council resolved to adopt the committee’s findings and directed the BCI to request the CBI to investigate the degree’s legitimacy.
“Pending the outcome of the investigation, Sanjeev Nasiar is removed from the position of vice chairman, Bar Council of Delhi.”
The BCI emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the legal profession, stating,
“The BCI is conscientious to uphold the prestige and honour of the legal profession and remains resolute in its resolve to uphold its sanctity to ensure that only those meeting the highest standards of ethics and qualifications are permitted to practice law in India.”
In response, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) vehemently opposed the BCI’s decision. AAP leader Durgesh Pathak called the order “arbitrary” and demanded its withdrawal. He accused the BCI, an institution meant to ensure justice, of committing a “grave injustice” against Nasiar due to his ideological support for the AAP.
In his legal career, Sanjeev Nasiar held prominent roles, including Vice-Chairman of the Bar Council of Delhi and President of the Delhi Bar Association. In December 2019, he joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and became the leader of its legal cell.
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However, in December 2024, the Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended Nasiar from his position as Vice-Chairman, citing doubts regarding the legitimacy of his LL.B. degree. The BCI characterized the degree as “highly questionable” and referred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a deeper inquiry.
Earlier, in August 2024, the Delhi High Court dismissed a petition that challenged the validity of Nasiar’s law degree, highlighting that a verification report from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya confirmed its authenticity.
The contrasting outcomes between the BCI’s recent suspension and the earlier court ruling have ignited discussions about professional ethics and political accountability. The Aam Aadmi Party vocally opposed the BCI’s decision, defending Nasiar’s qualifications and criticizing the council’s findings.
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