‘What About Those Who Turn Criminal Later?’: Supreme Court Questions BCI on Enrollment Rules

The Supreme Court questioned the Bar Council of India (BCI) on whether it can deny enrollment to law graduates with pending criminal cases without any clear legal provision.

The issue arose from a Madras High Court ruling that restricted such enrollment. The BCI argued that “criminals are entering the legal profession,” but the Court was not fully convinced.

The Bench asked what action is taken against advocates who become criminals after joining and pointed out that the Advocates Act, 1961, does not clearly prohibit enrollment in such cases.

The Court has issued notice and will examine whether such restrictions violate the right to practice a profession.

[K R Sudersan v. The Chairman, Bar Council of India & Anr.]