BCI Announces Major Reforms Following Supreme Court Directions; National Legal Academy Proposed
Can these reforms redefine the future of the legal profession? Following the Supreme Court’s judgment in Ajay Vijh v. Indian Banks Association, the
Advocates Act 1961
Foreign counsel cannot examine witnesses before Advocate Commissioner in execution of Hague Convention Letter of Request: Kerala HC
The Kerala High Court held that foreign lawyers cannot examine witnesses before an Advocate Commissioner appointed for execution of a letter of request issued by a foreign court under the Hague Convention. The recording evidence before a Commissioner is a litigious function forming part of the practice of law in India and falls within an area reserved exclusively for advocates enrolled under the Advocates Act, 1961.
BCI to Constitute Committees, Establish National Legal Academy Following SC Directions
Following the SC’s directions in Ajay Vijh v. Indian Banks Association, the BCI has announced measures relating to disciplinary oversight, continuing legal education, mentoring and institutional reforms.
From Blacklisting to Reform: Supreme Court’s IBA Caution List Ruling Opens Door to Mandatory Continuing Legal Education and National Legal Academy for Advocates
The Court called for a shift from occasional seminars to continuous professional learning and proposed a full-time National Legal Academy to strengthen advocates’ skills, ethics, technological competence, and long-term development.
Whether An Advocate Be Placed on IBA Caution List for Alleged Negligence in Providing Legal Opinion? Supreme Court Answers
The instant dispute arose from Canara Bank’s allegation that the appellant’s legal opinion wrongly certified the entire mortgaged property as belonging to the guarantor, despite prior sale deeds affecting part of it. The Bank treated the alleged omission in title verification as negligence that exposed it to financial risk.
BCI Withdraws Three-Year Moratorium: Revives Inspection-Based Approval of Law Colleges
BCI has formally clarified that the three-year moratorium on law colleges has ended, and approvals will now be decided through inspections under the Rules of Legal Education, 2008.
Bar Association not ’employer’ under POSH Act: Kerala HC sets aside Internal Complaint Committee’s report on alleged harassment
“The term ‘employer’ means someone who exercises control over a workplace in the context of an employment relationship and discharges contractual obligations towards employees.”
BCI Reforms Legal Education: Legislative and Plain Language Drafting Now Part of LL.B. Curriculum
BCI has notified the integration of Drafting of Legislation and Plain Language Drafting into Paper 21 under Schedule II, Part II(B) of the Rules of Legal Education, 2008 to enhance legal drafting skills.
BCI Issues Rules on Foreign Nationals: Enrolment, Practice Scope, and Key Restrictions
Understand BCI’s 2025 rules for foreign lawyers practicing in India and impact on cross-border legal practice.
Transfer fee charged by Maharashtra & Goa Bar Council violative of S. 18 Advocates Act: Bombay High Court
“The fee was charged from the petitioner in accordance with the Resolution of 2010 whereby the State Bar Council was authorized to collect enrollment fee but the realization of such fee for transfer of enrollment was not permissible under Section 18(1) of the 1961 Act.”
‘Principles of natural justice thrown to the winds’; Bombay HC stays license suspension order of female advocate for alleged misconduct
A party to the proceedings being not informed of the jurisdictional authority which decides the complaint itself is fatal to all norms of fairness.
Bombay High Court designates 13 new Senior Advocates
Section 16(2) of the Advocates Act, 1961 provides that- an advocate may, with his consent, be designated as senior advocate if the Supreme Court or a High Court is of the opinion that by virtue of his ability, standing at the Bar or special knowledge or experience in law he is deserving of such distinction.
State Bar Council’s refusal to grant separate recognition to High Court Advocates Bar Association not arbitrary: MP High Court
Madhya Pradesh High Court held that there was no justification for granting separate recognition to the petitioner association when the welfare schemes for advocates were already being administered through recognized bar associations.
BCI rule mandating Law degree from recognised College for enrolment as an Advocate, valid: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court held that the rule framed by BCI requiring a candidate for enrolment as an Advocate to have completed his law course from a college recognized/ approved by BCI cannot be said to be invalid.
‘AIBE valid; BCI must ensure quality of lawyers entering the profession’: Read 8 suggestions by Supreme Court 5-Judge Bench
“Quality of lawyers is an important aspect and part of administration of justice and access to justice. Half-baked lawyers serve no purpose. It is this quality control, which has been the endeavour of all the efforts made over a period of time.”
Delhi High Court |Section 17 of Senior Citizens Act, 2007 not to come in way of legal representation before the Maintenance Tribunal
Delhi High Court: In a case filed by the petitioners challenging the vires of Section 17 of the Maintenance and
2022 SCC Vol. 7 Part 3
Advocates Act, 1961 — S. 16 — Procedure for designation of Senior Advocates: Clarification of Guidelines prescribed for Supreme Court