Bar Council of India (BCI)

Basic Overview:

• Type: Statutory Body

• Established: Under Section 4 of the Advocates Act, 1961

• Headquarters: New Delhi

Historical Background:

• 1953: All India Bar Committee (headed by S.R. Das) recommended setting up of State Bar Councils and an all-India Bar Council.

• 1961: Advocates Act passed to implement these recommendations.

• First Chairman: M.C. Setalvad

• First Vice Chairman: C.K. Daphtary

Functions (Section 7, Advocates Act, 1961):

1. Regulatory Functions:

   • Prescribe standards of professional conduct and etiquette for advocates.

   • Set disciplinary procedures.

   • Safeguard rights and interests of legal professionals.

   • Promote law reform and legal aid.

   • Determine recognised law degrees for enrolment as an advocate.

   • Recognise foreign law qualifications.

2. Educational & Representational Roles:

   • Lay down legal education standards.

   • Organise seminars, publish legal journals and papers.

   • Promote and support legal research and education.

   • Conduct elections for council members.

Constitution & Structure:

• Members: Elected from each State Bar Council + Attorney General & Solicitor General of India (ex officio).

• Tenure of Chair/Vice Chair: 2 years.

• Governance: Chairman is the executive head, assisted by committees.