BCI Launches Nationwide Advocate Verification Drive Amid Fake Degree Cases

The Bar Council of India ( BCI ) has initiated a nationwide verification drive to scrutinize the credentials of advocates registered across the country. This decisive action comes in the wake of shocking revelations about the issuance of fake law degrees by certain universities, a malpractice that poses a severe threat to the integrity of the legal profession.

According to the Economic Times, the issue was first discussed in a report from Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut, which identified 13 instances of fake law degrees verified by the Bar Council of Delhi.

The BCI believes that this may only be the beginning, with potentially hundreds of similar cases in Delhi alone and even more across India. These fraudulent enrolments pose a threat to public trust in the legal system and compromise the professional standards expected of lawyers.

Drafting GST Replies Simplified for Professionals - Enroll Now

In response, the BCI has directed all State Bar Councils to conduct a thorough verification of advocates listed on their rolls. The councils have been tasked with identifying and reporting any cases where fake or fraudulent enrolments are discovered. The BCI has made it clear that failing to comply with this directive will be seen as neglecting their duties and could lead to serious legal consequences.

The BCI also criticized certain universities for issuing law degrees in violation of established norms, effectively treating legal education as a commercial venture rather than an academic discipline. Such unethical practices must be eradicated to protect the dignity of the legal profession and maintain high standards of education.

The Council has expressed its dissatisfaction with universities, including Chaudhary Charan Singh University, for delaying the verification of law degrees and charging fees for the process. These actions violate Supreme Court guidelines, which clearly require universities to facilitate the verification of degrees promptly and without imposing any financial burden.

Drafting GST Replies Simplified for Professionals - Enroll Now

The Supreme Court has set up a High-Powered Committee to oversee the verification process to ensure accountability. This committee has been monitoring the identification of non-practicing advocates, the verification of academic certificates, and the updating of electoral rolls for Bar Council elections. These measures aim to bring transparency and efficiency to the system.

The BCI has explained that any lawyer found with a fake degree will be removed from the rolls. The Council has also called on State Bar Councils to provide detailed reports on their verification processes, backed by evidence, so appropriate actions can be taken. A comprehensive report from the BCI will then be submitted to the Supreme Court for review.

Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates