Bar Council of India Removes 107 Fake Advocates from Delhi Roll to Uphold Legal Integrity

Bar Council of India Removes 107 Fake Advocates from 

Delhi Roll to Uphold Legal Integrity


The Bar Council of India (BCI) has taken decisive action in a sweeping initiative aimed at maintaining the integrity of the legal profession by removing 107 fake advocates from the Roll of Advocates in Delhi between 2019 and October 2024. This step comes as part of the BCI's rigorous verification process to ensure that only qualified, genuinely practising advocates remain in the profession, ultimately upholding public trust in the legal system.


Strengthened Verification Framework Under Rule 32


This effort falls under Rule 32 of the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015. The BCI amended Rule 32 on June 23, 2023, which empowered the BCI to verify, identify, and systematically remove unqualified and fake advocates from the Roll. The rule amendment has made the process of weeding out non-compliant individuals significantly more efficient.


According to the BCI, the amended rule ensures the legal profession adheres to transparency, accountability, and professionalism. As a result, since the amendment, an additional 50 fake advocates have been removed, indicating improved efficiency and thoroughness in verifying qualifications and practice statuses.


Supreme Court’s Role in Strengthening the Process


The Supreme Court has played an instrumental role in enforcing this framework. In Ajayinder Sangwan and Others vs. Bar Council of Delhi (TC(Civil) No. 126 of 2015), the court enabled effective implementation of Rule 32, enhancing the BCI’s authority to address cases of fraud and non-compliance. This judicial support has significantly bolstered the BCI’s capabilities in swiftly removing unqualified individuals from the Roll, strengthening the public’s trust in the legal profession.


Further, the Supreme Court’s directives in Ajay Shanker Srivastava vs. Bar Council of India & Anr. (W.P. No. 82 of 2023) led to the establishment of a High-Powered Committee to identify fake advocates and cases of forgery. The committee’s findings have contributed substantially to the recent removals from the Roll, showcasing the BCI's commitment to upholding legal standards.


Verification Process and Increased Efficiency Post-Amendment


Since the June 2023 amendment to Rule 32, the BCI has made notable advancements in identifying fraudulent practices among advocates. A stark increase in removal rates is evident, as compared to the years prior. Investigations revealed that the use of forged documents and misrepresentations during enrolment were the main reasons behind these removals. Some advocates were also removed for failing to practise law actively or for non-compliance with BCI’s verification processes.


The Supreme Court-backed verification process has created a safer environment within the legal community, deterring those who might engage in unethical practices. In fact, several individuals aware of their fraudulent credentials have voluntarily surrendered their enrolment certificates, preemptively avoiding exposure. The BCI has urged all State Bar Councils to exercise caution when accepting such surrenders to prevent evasion of accountability. Complete surrenders are finalized only after thorough investigation.


Collaborative Efforts with Universities for Additional Verifications


As part of this broad-based verification process, universities are playing a critical role in helping State Bar Councils identify advocates who obtained enrolment using forged academic degrees. Several universities are working closely with the Bar Councils, and it is anticipated that the number of removals from the Roll may increase as these investigations progress. Upon completion of these verifications, additional actions will be taken to ensure that only genuinely qualified individuals practise law.


Future Compliance Measures and Upcoming Elections


As part of maintaining professional standards, elections to various State Bar Councils will be conducted only after non-practitioners and those holding fake degrees are removed in compliance with Rule 32. The BCI is working closely with State Bar Councils to ensure that the verification process remains thorough and continues to effectively remove unqualified advocates from the Roll. 


Impact on the Legal Profession and Public Trust


The removal of fake advocates and enhanced verification measures have a profound impact on the credibility and integrity of the Indian legal profession. By ensuring that only qualified, practising lawyers represent the public, the BCI reinforces ethical standards and strengthens public confidence in the justice system. The recent removals, particularly in the Delhi Roll, highlight the BCI’s dedication to creating a professional environment that is trusted, transparent, and accountable.

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

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