Today, On 9th December, AAP Legal Cell Chief Sanjeev Nasiar challenged the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) decision to suspend him as Vice Chairman due to questions about his LL.B. degree authenticity. The BCI has sought a CBI investigation into alleged record tampering, raising legal and political concerns about Nasiar’s qualifications.
![[Lawyers Ads Controversy] Sulekha Moves Supreme Court Against Madras High Court Order](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Image-1-2.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Madras High Court mandated the Bar Council of India (BCI) to establish guidelines against lawyer advertising. In response, Sulekha challenged the directive in the Supreme Court, which has combined it with JustDial’s similar plea. The Court is evaluating compliance with the Advocates Act and BCI regulations amid concerns about online lawyer services.
The Bar Council of India is a legally mandated organisation formed under the Advocates Act, 1961. The act also mentions the powers and functions of the Bar Council of India. Its primary purpose is to oversee and regulate legal practice and education in India. In addition, it administers the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) annually, which serves as a selection process for individuals seeking to practice law in the country’s courts. The Bar Council also fulfils the role of regulatory authority by establishing guidelines for professional conduct and etiquette within the Indian legal community. Its main objective is safeguarding the rights, interests, and privileges of advocates throughout India. The Bar Council of India operates as a statutory and regulatory body established by the Advocates Act, 1961, with responsibilities encompassing the legal profession and education in the country. It also serves as the representative organisation for the legal community in India.
The Delhi High Court rejected a petition aiming to disqualify Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the Bar Council of India, from the Rajya Sabha, citing lack of grounds for disqualification. The court imposed a Rs 25,000 fine on the petitioner, affirming that only eligible individuals can challenge elections as prescribed by law.
Today, On 2nd September, The Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of two bar associations occupying the same High Court premises in Madhya Pradesh. This comes after the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled the allocation of premises to one of the associations as unlawful. A status quo has been ordered while the Supreme Court deliberates on the matter, following an appeal by the Senior Advocates Council.
![[Breaking] Enrolment Fees for Lawyers Cannot Exceed Rs. 600: Supreme Court Mandates For All State Bar Council](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/WhatsApp-Image-2024-01-27-at-3.05.14-PM.jpeg?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Supreme Court today has mandated that State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India cannot charge lawyers more than Rs 600 for enrolment fees, in accordance with Section 24(1)(f) of the Advocates Act. This decision aims to make the enrolment process accessible and affordable, consistent with the Act. The ruling allows charges for legal aid services, but not during enrolment.
The General Counsels’ Association of India and the Society of Indian Law Firms advocate for statutory recognition and privilege for general counsels in India. With over 50,000 practicing, they seek recognition as legal practitioners under Indian law, emphasizing the need for regulation and amendments to ensure their rights and status. The proposed changes aim to integrate general counsels into the broader legal ecosystem.
Nazir Ahmad Ronga, a senior lawyer in J&K, was detained without an arrest warrant under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The action, reportedly taken on “orders from above,” is linked to his opposition to the abrogation of Article 370. His family expressed shock and distress. This incident highlights the importance of protecting individual freedoms in conflict-prone areas.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed all State Bar Councils to take action against lawyers advertising through online portals, following a judgment by the Madras High Court. BCI specifies strict disciplinary measures and compliance deadlines for online platforms to remove illegal advertisements related to legal services. Failure to comply will result in legal proceedings and penalties.
The Madras High Court dismissed a PIL seeking to reduce the All India Bar Examination fee of Rs. 3,500, stating it is reasonable and not excessive. The court emphasized the absence of statutory provisions regulating the fee and highlighted the judiciary’s role in maintaining the integrity of professional examinations while encouraging ongoing discussions about fairness.