The Delhi High Court has stayed the Bar Council of India’s directive to remove Sanjeev Nasiar as Vice Chairperson due to allegations about his law degree’s authenticity. The BCI claims significant discrepancies exist in his academic records and has called for a CBI inquiry. Nasiar has challenged the BCI’s decision, alleging political vendetta.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday (Dec 9th) stayed the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) directive to remove Sanjeev Nasiar, the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) legal cell head, from his position as Vice Chairperson of the Bar Council of Delhi.
The BCI’s action was triggered by allegations regarding the authenticity of Nasiar’s law degree obtained from Devi Ahilya Bai Vishwavidyalaya, Indore. The council also recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter, citing serious discrepancies in his academic records.
The BCI had stated that its sub-committee found “significant and glaring discrepancies” in the documents pertaining to Nasiar’s law degree. According to the BCI:
- The P.M.B. Gujarati Arts and Law College, Indore, where Nasiar claimed to have studied, was not authorized to conduct an LL.B. (Hons.) course during the relevant period.
- The academic records appeared “tampered with or fabricated,” with uniform handwriting and ink consistency over an extended time frame.
- The LL.B. (Hons.) program was introduced under BCI regulations only in 2008, while Nasiar’s degree is dated 1988, rendering it inconsistent with regulatory requirements.
Following these allegations, Nasiar moved the Delhi High Court to challenge the BCI’s decision. In response, the court issued an interim stay on his removal, allowing him to continue in his role while the case proceeds.
In a press conference, Nasiar alleged political vendetta, accusing the BJP of “weaponizing” the BCI against him.
“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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Nasiar asserted.
The high court’s stay order provides temporary relief to Nasiar, but the case has brought to light serious concerns over regulatory oversight and the political dynamics within India’s legal framework.
With the CBI inquiry pending and the matter under judicial scrutiny, the spotlight remains on the authenticity of academic credentials and the role of professional bodies like the BCI in upholding transparency and accountability.
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