Delhi HC To BCD: Non-Residents Can’t Be Barred From Enrolling As Lawyers

The Delhi High Court on Thursday expressed its disapproval of the Bar Council of Delhi’s notification that made Aadhar and Voter Identity Cards with a Delhi-NCR address mandatory for enrolment.

Justice Subramonium Prasad raised concerns about the restriction imposed by the BCD, stating that it should be struck down immediately.

The Bench remarked, “How can you restrict persons of Delhi alone to register with the BCD? This notification needs to be struck down straightaway. You cannot restrict BCD membership to Delhi only.”

The Court emphasized that Delhi is a popular place for practicing law, and individuals from different locations come to pursue their legal careers.

“Suppose I am saying in Ramanathapuram, I stay in Silchar or Kachchh or Mehsana. What will I do? I have to earn my bread, come here and practice.”

The Court was hearing a plea filed by advocate Shannu Baghel challenging the discriminatory nature of the BCD’s notification, which limits enrolment to residents of Delhi-NCR.

The Court listed the plea for further hearing in August, along with other cases challenging the same notification.

Previously, the BCD issued a circular in April 2023, requiring fresh law graduates to attach copies of their Aadhar and Voter ID cards with a Delhi/NCR address for enrolment, departing from the earlier practice of accepting a self-attested copy of a rent agreement as proof of address.