Jamshedpur: Bar Council to cancel licenses of non-practicing lawyers

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Nov 26: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has initiated a strict move to cancel the licenses of lawyers who do not actively practice law. It has directed all bar associations to prepare and submit a list of such lawyers by December 31. The council aims to address the issue of lawyers engaging in other professions, such as property dealing and business ventures, while retaining their legal licenses.

Under the new rules, every lawyer must file at least one Vakalatnama annually, and a copy must be submitted to the Bar Council. Additionally, lawyers are required to provide an affidavit affirming that they are not involved in any other business or job. The initiative is designed to ensure only genuine practitioners remain licensed, enhancing professionalism and accountability within the legal community.

Reports suggest that many lawyers, after registering with the Bar Council, shift to other careers but continue to hold their licenses. This misuse has prompted concerns about the integrity of the legal profession. A senior official remarked that this step would eliminate non-practicing lawyers who exploit their professional title and ensure only active professionals participate in bar association elections.

The council also seeks to address cases of fake voting in district bar elections, which have been linked to non-practicing lawyers. While the focus is on curbing misuse, special consideration may be given to elderly lawyers unable to practice due to health or age-related issues.

The BCI is compiling nationwide data on practicing lawyers to identify and retain only those actively involved in court proceedings. This initiative is expected to enhance the credibility of the legal profession and eliminate those using their lawyer status for personal or business gains.