Bar Council of India (BCI): Role, Structure and Functions

Statutory Status:

• Established under Section 4 of the Advocates Act, 1961.

• Statutory apex body regulating the legal profession and legal education in India.

• Headquartered in New Delhi.

Historical Background:

• Based on the recommendations of the All India Bar Committee (1953) headed by S.R. Das and the Law Commission of India.

• Advocates Act, 1961 enacted to implement these recommendations.

• First Chairman: M.C. Setalvad

• First Vice-Chairman: C.K. Daphtary

Composition:

• Members are elected from State Bar Councils.

• Attorney General of India and Solicitor General of India are ex-officio members.

• Elects its own Chairman and Vice-Chairman for a term of two years.

Key Functions (Under Section 7 of the Advocates Act, 1961):

1. Regulatory Role:

   • Lay down standards of professional conduct, etiquette, and disciplinary procedures.

   • Recognise law degrees from universities for advocate enrolment.

   • Determine recognition of foreign law qualifications.

2. Representative & Developmental Role:

• Safeguard rights and interests of advocates.

• Promote legal education, law reform, and conduct seminars and publications.

• Provide legal aid to the poor.

• Manage and invest Bar Council funds.

• Facilitate elections to the Bar Councils.