The Supreme Court slammed the BCI for recognising law colleges run out of “garages” and enrolling convicts, while allowing provisional enrolment of a CA with a pending case.
A plea before the Supreme Court seeks directions to the Bar Council of India to create a nationwide advocate verification system covering enrolment, qualifications, and practice status, alongside a privacy-compliant national database of verified advocates coordinated with all State Bar Councils.
The Bar Council of India asked the West Bengal Bar Council to submit details about Mamata Banerjee’s professional status after she appeared in lawyer’s robes at the Calcutta High Court. The request followed her presence during Thursday’s proceedings.
The Supreme Court has questioned the Bar Council of India over its claim that “criminals have started entering the legal profession” while defending denial of enrollment to law graduates with pending criminal cases. The Court said such a restriction may not be valid without a clear law under the Advocates Act.
The Supreme Court has rebuked the Bar Council of India (BCI) for refusing travel allowances and honorarium to retired judges supervising Bar Council elections, questioning how they are expected to cover expenses personally and warning against non-compliance with court directives.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has approached the Chief Justice of India (CJI), objecting to the Kerala High Court’s remarks on State Bar Council elections, arguing that once the Supreme Court approves the election framework, High Courts lack jurisdiction to intervene.
The Bar Council of India has struck off a Delhi advocate after confirming he enrolled using forged documents. The BCI has also uncovered suspected collusion involving touts, insiders and long-serving BCD staff.
The Bar Council of India informed the Delhi High Court that AIBE XXI will be held in June 2026, while the qualifying exam for Indian nationals with foreign law degrees is scheduled for December this year. The Court noted that such graduates may begin provisional practice for two years before clearing AIBE.
The Bar Council of India told the Delhi High Court that its 2022 Rules permitting foreign lawyers do not require approval from the Chief Justice of India or the Central government, prompting sharp judicial scrutiny.
The Delhi High Court questioned the Bar Council of India for not conducting the qualifying exam for Indian law graduates with foreign degrees before the AIBE, calling the delay unfair. Justice Sachin Datta said, “You have created this problem; you only find a solution.”
