Karnataka High Court Questions BCI Rules Restricting Post-Retirement Practice of Judicial Officers

The Karnataka High Court questioned the fairness of the Bar Council of India (BCI) rules that restrict retired judicial officers from practising before courts presided over by judges of equal or lower rank.

Justice ES Indiresh observed that if retired High Court judges can appear before other High Courts or the Supreme Court, similar liberty should be extended to retired district judges.

The Court heard petitions challenging the BCI’s 2013 amendment to Rule 7 of Part VI, Chapter III, which imposes such restrictions.

The Court emphasised the need for fairness and consistency in post-retirement practice rights and listed the matter for further hearing on October 27.

[VN Madhav Reddy v The Secretary and Anr.]