Bar Council of India (BCI)

Bar Council of India Latest News

The Bar Council of India (BCI) recently issued a strict warning against 'unethical' legal advertising and misleading social media promotions leading to professional misconduct by advocates. 

About Bar Council of India

• It is a statutory body created by Parliament to regulate and represent the Indian bar.
• It was established under the Advocates Act, 1961, based on the recommendations of the All India Bar Committee.
• Its main objective is safeguarding the rights, interests, and privileges of advocates throughout India.

Bar Council of India Functions

• It performs the regulatory function by prescribing standards of professional conduct and etiquette and by exercising disciplinary jurisdiction over the bar.
• It also sets standards for legal education and grants recognition to Universities whose degrees in law will serve as qualification for enrolment as an advocate.
• It conducts the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to grant a 'Certificate of Practice' to advocates practising law in India.
• BCI also funds welfare schemes for economically weaker and physically handicapped advocates.
• It also recognizes on a reciprocal basis foreign qualifications in law obtained outside India for admission as an advocate under this Act.

Bar Council of India Composition

• It comprises members elected from each State Bar Council, the Attorney General of India, and the Solicitor of India, who serve as members automatically. 
• The members of the State Bar Councils are elected for five years. 
• The Council has the power to choose its own Chairman and Vice-Chairman from among its members, and they serve for two years.

Bar Council of India FAQs

Q1. How many members are in the Bar Council of India?

Ans. The Bar Council of India consists of 18 Members. 

Q2. Is Bar Council of India a statutory body?

Ans. Yes, the Bar Council of India (BCI) is a statutory body established under the Advocates Act, 1961

Q3. What is the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)?

Ans. It is a certification exam conducted twice a year by the Bar Council of India for law graduates willing to start practice as Lawyer.

Source: LL