Between 2019 and October 2024, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has taken decisive action to uphold the integrity of the legal profession by removing 107 individuals from its rolls in Delhi who were found practicing law with fraudulent credentials. This initiative is part of a broader effort to identify and eliminate ‘fake’ lawyers across the country, ensuring that only those with legitimate qualifications represent clients in legal matters. The BCI’s rigorous verification process underscores its commitment to maintaining professional standards and public trust in the legal system
The Supreme Court of India has expressed significant concern over the persistent issue of fake advocates practicing law. In a recent session, the Court highlighted the alarming possibility that approximately 20% of the nation’s 1.5 million lawyers might possess fraudulent credentials. This revelation underscores the urgency for a comprehensive verification process to uphold the integrity of the legal profession.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) initiated a verification drive in 2015 to authenticate the qualifications of practicing advocates. However, the Supreme Court noted the protracted nature of this process and has now mandated the BCI to provide a detailed status report within eight weeks. The Court emphasized that the verification cannot be an indefinite endeavor and stressed the necessity for a definitive timeline to conclude this critical exercise.
Recent findings have intensified the gravity of the situation. Investigations have uncovered over 1,000 individuals practicing with fake law degrees in both Delhi and Punjab. Notably, the Bar Council of Delhi identified 117 advocates with counterfeit credentials, with a staggering 95 of them presenting degrees purportedly from Bundelkhand University.
The proliferation of unqualified practitioners not only undermines public trust in the legal system but also jeopardizes the rights and interests of unsuspecting clients. The Supreme Court’s directive aims to expedite the verification process, ensuring that only those with legitimate qualifications are permitted to practice law in India.
This development serves as a stern reminder to all stakeholders within the legal community about the paramount importance of maintaining professional standards and the dire consequences of credential fraud.
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Legal integrity is non-negotiable—fake degrees may buy a title, but they cannot buy credibility
