Advocate Sanjeev Nasiar, the Chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Legal Cell on Monday has approached the Delhi High Court to contest his removal as Vice Chairman of the Bar Council of Delhi.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) recently dismissed him from the position due to allegations questioning the validity of his LL.B. (Hons.) degree.
The BCI’s decision followed an investigation into the authenticity of Nasiar’s degree, allegedly issued by Devi Ahilyabai Vishvavidyalaya, Indore. The Council also instructed the BCD Secretary to request a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter. Nasiar, represented by senior advocate Ramesh Gupta, sought an urgent hearing, and the Delhi High Court has agreed to take up the case.
BCI Investigation Uncovers Major Irregularities
The controversy centers on Nasiar’s LL.B. (Hons.) degree, which is claimed to have been issued in 1988. However, a detailed investigation by a BCI-appointed sub-committee raised serious concerns.
Inquiry highlights
1. Lack of Authorization: The P.M.B. Gujarati Arts and Law College, where Nasiar claimed to have pursued his degree, was not permitted to offer an LL.B. (Hons.) course during the period in question.
2. Questionable Records: Academic documents presented during the investigation appeared altered, with uniform handwriting and ink consistency over different timeframes.
3. Regulatory Mismatch: The LL.B. (Hons.) program was formally introduced under BCI regulations only in 2008, making the issuance of a degree in 1988 inconsistent with established guidelines.
4. Uncooperative Officials: University representatives reportedly obstructed the inquiry, adding to doubts surrounding the degree’s authenticity.
The findings, as noted in the BCI’s statement, reveal significant discrepancies that undermine the credibility of Nasiar’s academic qualifications.
BCI’s Actions and Resolutions
Based on the sub-committee’s report, the BCI decided on December 7, 2024, to remove Nasiar from his role as Vice Chairman of the BCD. It directed the CBI to investigate the degree’s authenticity and any potential fabrication of related records. Pending the outcome of this probe, Nasiar will remain removed from his position.
The Council emphasized its responsibility under the Advocates Act, 1961, to uphold integrity within the legal profession. The investigation, conducted following a directive from the Delhi High Court, aims to ensure transparency and accountability in such matters.
Nasiar’s removal has sparked widespread debate within the legal community, highlighting the importance of verifying qualifications for leadership positions in professional bodies. The outcome of the Delhi High Court’s hearing will be pivotal in determining the future course of action.
This case underscores the significance of safeguarding the credibility of institutions and individuals in the legal fraternity while ensuring due process for all parties involved.
