Advocate’s Practice Experience Cannot be Counted Before Passing the AIBE : Orissa High Court

The Orissa High Court ruled that an advocate’s practice experience cannot be counted before passing the All-India Bar Examination (AIBE).

In this matter, the court held that a lawyer who enrolled in 2013 but cleared AIBE in 2021 could only claim three years of practice. 

Since the Khordha District Bar Association’s by-laws required ten years of practice for the treasurer post, the court invalidated his nomination and directed the Election Officer to disqualify him.

It stated that only post-AIBE experience counts for eligibility in bar association elections.