The Supreme Court mandated provisions for visually impaired candidates taking the All India Bar Examination, ensuring fair access through tools like paid screen reading software and personal keyboards. This decision addresses prior inadequacies and emphasizes inclusivity, enabling candidates to answer independently, aiming for equality in legal professional opportunities.
Today, On 6th November, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition regarding lawyers’ mental health, urging Bar Associations to provide support instead of seeking court intervention. The Chief Justice emphasized the importance of proactive measures for mental wellness in the legal profession, highlighting a significant lack of targeted resources in India compared to other countries.
Between 2019 and October 2024, the Bar Council of India (BCI) removed 107 fake advocates from Delhi’s Roll of Advocates to maintain legal integrity. Strengthened by a June 2023 amendment to Rule 32, BCI’s systematic verification process targets fraudulent enrollments and forged certificates, urging State Bar Councils to conduct thorough investigations before accepting voluntary surrenders by non-compliant advocates.
The Rajasthan High Court has questioned the Bar Council of India’s authority to extend the term of State Bar Council members beyond the five-year limit set by the Advocates Act, 1961. The Court demanded clarification on Rule 32, which allows term extensions due to delayed elections, and set a hearing for November 14.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) Today (Oct 15) issued new guidelines recommending a minimum stipend for junior advocates assisting senior advocates, law firms and independent practitioners. It also noted that senior advocates and firms in smaller towns or less lucrative fields may not have the financial resources to provide substantial stipends. Therefore, while the guidelines are encouraged, they are not enforced as mandatory across the profession.
A group of Indian legal professionals opposes the BCI, Bar Council of India’s recent notification imposing new regulations for law colleges, including criminal background checks and biometric attendance. They criticize the lack of transparency, clarity, and justification for these measures, arguing they’re unconstitutional, invasive, and disproportionately target law students. They demand immediate withdrawal.
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.
The Supreme Court Today (Oct 4) issued notice to the Bar Council of India (BCI) in the ongoing dispute over the official Rouse Avenue Court bar body, where the Central Delhi Court Bar Association has been recognised as the main association. Apex Court asked the BCI how the Bar Council of Delhi can enter into the aspect of deciding which is the main bar association body. The Court was hearing an appeal against a Delhi High Court decision that recognised the Central Delhi Court Bar Association as the main bar body for the Rouse Avenue District Court.
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Today, On 27th September, the Karnataka High Court refused to quash the FIR against Karnataka State Bar Council officials over allegations of misappropriation of Rs. 3.3 crore raised for an advocates’ convention. The court denied the petition by KSBC leaders who sought dismissal of charges related to financial misconduct, emphasizing governance issues within legal bodies.