Odisha Bar Council Orders Non-Practising Lawyers to Surrender Licences

Odisha State Bar Council has ordered lawyers engaged in business, private, or government jobs and not practising in courts to surrender their licences within a month, citing violations of the Advocates Act, 1961.

Advocates may act as sleeping partners in businesses compatible with professional dignity, but must avoid active business roles or salaried employment while practising law.

The Council warns of disciplinary and criminal proceedings against non-compliant lawyers, directing all district bar associations to ensure enforcement.

This aims to uphold full-time commitment and integrity in the legal profession.