Between 2019 and October 2024, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has actively removed 107 fraudulent advocates from Delhi’s Roll of Advocates, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining professional standards and credibility within the legal community.
This ongoing initiative targets unqualified and fake advocates as part of a broader cleanup under Rule 32 of the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015. A key amendment to Rule 32, implemented on June 23, 2023, has bolstered BCI’s ability to identify and disqualify fake advocates more systematically, marking a significant step in its verification process.
Prior to the amendment, BCI had already removed thousands of fake advocates, primarily due to irregularities such as forged certificates and falsified enrollment records, as well as failure to actively engage in the practice of law. After the amendment, 50 additional advocates were disqualified, adding to the hundreds removed in prior years. The enhanced framework now allows BCI to conduct more rigorous, continuous investigations into advocates’ qualifications and practices, with oversight from a High Powered Committee, set up by the Supreme Court in the *Ajay Shanker Srivastava vs. Bar Council of India & Anr.* case.
A recent BCI press statement highlights how the new amendment has streamlined its procedures, enabling efficient detection of fraudulent advocates. The verification initiative has seen an increased number of advocates preemptively surrender their enrollment certificates to avoid exposure, given the heightened scrutiny. However, BCI has issued clear guidance to State Bar Councils, advising caution with such voluntary surrenders. It urges State Bar Councils to conduct thorough investigations before accepting these surrenders, as complete withdrawal from the legal field should follow a full verification process to ensure accountability.
The BCI stressed that it is essential to hold these individuals accountable to preserve public trust and safeguard the justice system. Allowing fake advocates to exit without full investigation could harm the legal profession’s reputation and compromise its integrity. This accountability-focused approach reinforces the BCI’s commitment to strict enforcement and thorough oversight, promoting a professional and credible legal environment in India.
