Bar Council of India Takes Action Against Fake Advocates
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has removed 107 fake advocates from the Roll of Advocates in Delhi between 2019 and October 2024. This move is part of BCI’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the legal profession. The action was taken under Rule 32 of the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015, which was amended on June 23, 2023, to enhance the verification process.
Strengthening the Legal System
The amendment to Rule 32 has made it easier to identify and remove unqualified advocates. Since the amendment, 50 of the 107 removals have occurred, showing improved efficiency. The Supreme Court’s order in the case of Ajayinder Sangwan and Others vs. Bar Council of Delhi has further supported these efforts.
Ongoing Investigations
Investigations by the Bar Council and a High-Powered Committee have been crucial in identifying fake advocates. Many have surrendered their certificates, but the BCI urges thorough investigations before accepting these surrenders. Universities are also verifying degrees, potentially leading to more removals.
Future Steps
The BCI plans to hold State Bar Council elections only after removing all fake advocates. The BCI’s commitment to a trustworthy legal profession continues, ensuring only qualified advocates remain on the Roll.
Doubts Revealed
Bar Council of India -: The Bar Council of India is a group that makes rules and guidelines for lawyers in India. They ensure that lawyers are qualified and follow the law.
Fake Advocates -: Fake advocates are people pretending to be lawyers without having the proper qualifications or degrees. They can cause problems because they are not trained to help people with legal issues.
Roll of Advocates -: The Roll of Advocates is a list of all the lawyers who are officially allowed to practice law in a certain area, like Delhi. Being on this list means a lawyer is recognized and approved to work.
Rule 32 -: Rule 32 is a specific rule under the Bar Council of India that helps check and verify if a person is a real lawyer. It ensures that only qualified people can practice law.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions and helps ensure that laws are followed correctly across the country.
State Bar Council elections -: State Bar Council elections are when lawyers vote to choose leaders for their local Bar Council. These leaders help manage and make decisions for lawyers in that state.
