The Maharashtra and Goa Bar Council have made it known that they will be granting a two-year provisional “sanad” to legal professionals who are currently employed. In line with a recent resolution by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, their office will adhere to the procedure outlined by the Supreme Court in previous year. This procedure involves issuing a two-year provisional enrolment certificate to law graduates who are already employed in other roles.
In July, the State Bar Council made a significant decision regarding the issuance of provisional certificates for legal professionals. According to this decision, these certificates would be marked with a two-year validity stamp, indicating that they are valid for a period of two years.
Furthermore, the State Bar Council’s office would accompany this certificate with an additional letter. This letter would contain specific instructions for the certificate holder. It would state that, upon successfully passing the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), the individual would be granted a grace period of six months. During this six-month period, they would need to make a crucial decision: either resign from their current employment and join the legal profession or choose to continue with their existing job.
What makes this decision particularly important is that it aligns with a directive from the Supreme Court. According to this directive, if the certificate holder fails to communicate their decision to the Bar Council within the stipulated six-month timeframe, their “sanad” or enrolment certificate would be temporarily suspended. In essence, this provision aims to ensure that individuals who receive the certificate make a timely and informed choice about their legal career path.
“We are happy with the SC order and will abide by it. The two year buffer will enable professionals or those already employed elsewhere to decide if they want to practice or continue in their existing jobs,” said advocate Uday Warunjikar, vice chairperson of State Bar Council.
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