1. Short title, extent and commencement.―(1) This Act may be called the Advocates Act, 1961. 
1
[(2) It extends to the whole of India.] 
(3) It 2
[shall, in relation to the territories other than those referred to in sub-section (4), come into force] 
on such date3
as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint, and different 
dates3 may be appointed for different provisions of this Act. 
4
[(4) This Act shall, in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir*
5
and the Union territory of Goa, 
Daman and Diu, come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official 
Gazette, appoint in this behalf, and different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act.]

2. Definitions.―6
[(1)] In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,―
 
1. Subs. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 2, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 31-1-1974). 
2. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for “shall come into force” (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
3. The provisions of the Act have been brought into force as under:―
16th August, 1961, vide notification No. S.O. 1870, dated 7th September, 1961, in respect of Chapter I , II and VII, see Gazette of 
India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).
1st December, 1961, vide notification No. S.O. 2790, dated 24th November, 1961, in respect of Chapter III and s. 50(2), see
Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).
15th December, 1961, vide notification No. S.O. 2919, dated 13th December, 1961, in respect of s. 50(1), see Gazette of India, 
Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).
24th January, 1962, vide notification No. S.O. 297, dated 24th January 1962, in respect of ss. 51 and 52, see Gazette of India, 
Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).
29th March, 1962, vide notification No. S.O. 958, dated 29th March 1962, in respect of s. 46, see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, 
Part II, sec. (ii).
4th January, 1963, vide notification No. S.O. 50, dated 4th January 1963, in respect of s. 32 and Chapter VI [except s. 46, 
sub-sections (1) and (2) of s. 50, ss. 51 and 52], see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).
1st September, 1963, vide notification No. S.O. 2509, dated 31st August, 1963, in respect of Chapter V, see Gazette of India, 
Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).
10th June, 1968, vide notification No. S.O. 63, dated 7th June 1968, in respect of Chapters I, II, III, section 32 of Chapter IV and 
Chapters V, VI, VII and VIII in the Union territory of Pondicherry, see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).
1st June, 1969, vide notification No. S.O. 1500, dated 5th April, 1969, in respect of ss. 29, 31, 33 and 34 of Chapter IV, see
Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).
1st June, 1979, vide notification No. G.S.R. 84(E), dated 21st February 1979, except section 30 in respect of the Union territory 
of Goa, Daman and Diu, see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(i).
15th June, 2011, vide notification No. S.O. 1349(E), dated 9th June, 2011, in respect of section 30, see Gazette of India, 
Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(i).
4. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 2 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
5. 1st August 1986, vide notification No. G.S.R. 946 (E), dated 15th July 1986, except section 30, in respect of the State of Jammu and 
Kashmir.
6. Section 2 renumbered as sub-section (1) of that section by Act 60 of 1973, s. 3 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
*. Vide notification No. S.O. 3912(E), dated 30th October, 2019, this Act is made applicable to the Union territory of Jammu and 
Kashmir and the Union territory of Ladakh
(a) “advocate” means an advocate entered in any roll under the provisions of this Act; 
(b) “appointed day”, in relation to any provision of this Act, means the day on which that provision comes into 
force; 
1
* * * * * 
(d) “Bar Council” means a Bar Council constituted under this Act; 
(e) “Bar Council of India” means the Bar Council constituted under section 4 for the territories to which this Act 
extends; 
2
* * * * * 
(g) “High Court”, except in sub-section (1) 3
[and sub-section (1A)] of section 34 and in sections 42 and 43, does 
not include a court of the Judicial Commissioner, and, in relation to a State Bar Council, means,--
(i) in the case of a Bar Council constituted for a State or for a State and one or more Union territories, the 
High Court for the State; 
(ii) in the case of the Bar Council constituted for Delhi, 4
[the High Court of Delhi]; 
(h) “law graduate” means a person who has obtained a bachelor's degree in law from any University established 
by law in India; 
(i) “legal practitioner” means an advocate 5
[or vakil] of any High Court, a pleader, mukhtar or revenue agent; 
(j) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; 
(k) “roll” means a roll of advocates prepared and maintained under this Act; 
(l) “State” does not include a Union territory; 
(m) “State Bar Council” means a Bar Council constituted under section 3; 
(n) “State roll” means a roll of advocates prepared and maintained by a State Bar Council under section 17. 
3
[(2) Any reference in this Act to a law which is not in force 6
*** in the Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu, 
shall, in relation to 7
*** that territory, be construed as a reference to the corresponding law, if any, in force in that State 
or that territory, as the case may be.]

3. State Bar Councils.―(1) There shall be a Bar Council—
(a) for each of the States of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, 8
[Jammu and Kashmir,] 9
[Jharkhand], 10[Madhya 
Pradesh and Chhattisgarh], 
11***, 12***, 13[Karnataka], Orissa, 14[Rajasthan, Telangana 15[Uttar Pradesh], 
16[Uttaranchal, Meghalya, Manipur and Tripura]], to be known as the Bar Council of that State; 
 
1. Clause (c) omitted by Act 107 of 1976, s. 2 (w.e.f. 15-10-1976).
2. Clause (f) omitted by Act 60 of 1973, s. 3 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974). 
3. Ins. by s. 3, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974). 
4. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for “the High Court of Punjab” (w.e.f. 31- 1-1974).
5. Subs. by Act 107 of 1976, s. 2, for “vakil or attorney” (w.e.f. 15-10-1976).
6. The words “in the State of Jammu and Kashmir or” omitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central 
Laws) Order, 2020, vide notification No. S.O. 1123(E), dated (18-3-2020) and vide Union Territory of Ladakh Reorganisation 
(Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, notification No. S.O. 3774(E), dated (23-10-2020).]
7. The words “that State or” omitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, vide
notification No. S.O. 1123(E), dated (18-3-2020) and vide Union Territory of Ladakh Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) 
Order, 2020, notification No. S.O. 3774(E), dated (23-10-2020).
8. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 4 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
9. Ins. by Act 30 of 2000, s. 28 (w.e.f. 15-11-2000).
10. Subs. by Act 28 of 2000, s.24, for “and Madhya Pradesh” (w.e.f. 1-11-2000).
11. The word “Madras” omitted by Act 26 of 1968, s. 3 and Sch. 4. 
12. The word “Maharashtra” omitted by Reg. 8 of 1963, s. 12 (w.e.f. 1-7-1965).
13. Subs. by the Mysore State (Alteration of Name) (Adaptation of Laws on Union Subjects) Order, 1974, for “Mysore” 
(w.e.f. 1-11-1973).
14. Subs. by Act 6 of 2014, s. 34, for “Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh” (w.e.f. 2-6-2014).
15. Subs. by Act 29 of 2000, s. 29, for “and Uttar Pradesh” (w.e.f. 9-11-2000).
16. Subs. by Act 26 of 2012, s. 9, for “and Uttaranchal” (w.e.f. 23-3-2013).

1
[(b) for the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram and Nagaland to be known as the Bar 
Council of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram and Nagaland;] 
(c) for the State of Kerala and the Union territory of 2
[Lakshadweep] to be known as the Bar Council 
of Kerala; 
3
[(cc) for the 4
[State of Tamil Nadu] and the Union territory of Pondicherry to be known as the Bar 
Council of Madras;] 
5
[(ccc) for the States of Maharashtra and Goa and the Union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and 
Daman and Diu, to be known as the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa;] 
6
[(d) for the States of Punjab and Haryana and the Union territory of Chandigarh, to be known as the 
Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana; 
(dd) for the State of Himachal Pradesh, to be known as the Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh;] 
(e) for the State of West Bengal and the 7
[Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands], to be 
known as the Bar Council of West Bengal; and 
(f) for the Union territory of Delhi, to be known as the Bar Council of Delhi. 
(2) A State Bar Council shall consist of the following members, namely:―
(a) in the case of the State Bar Council of Delhi, the Additional Solicitor-General of India, ex officio; 
8
[
9
[in the case of the State Bar Councils of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland, the 
Advocate-General of each of the States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh , Mizoram and Nagaland] ex officio; 
in the case of the State Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, the Advocate-General of each of the States of 
Punjab and Haryana, ex officio;] and in the case of any other State Bar Council, the Advocate-General of 
the State, ex officio; 
10[(b) in the case of a State Bar Council with an electorate not exceeding five thousand, fifteen 
members, in the case of a State Bar Council with an electorate exceeding five thousand but not exceeding 
ten thousand, twenty members, and in the case of a State Bar Council with an electorate exceeding ten 
thousand, twenty-five members, elected in accordance with the system of proportional representation by 
means of the single transferable vote from amongst advocates on the electoral roll of the State Bar 
Council:]
11[Provided that as nearly as possible one-half of such elected members shall, subject to any rules that 
may be made in this behalf by the Bar Council of India, be persons who have for at least ten years been 
advocates on a State roll, and in computing the said period of ten years in relation to any such person, 
there shall be included any period during which the person has been an advocate enrolled under the Indian 
Bar Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926).]

1. Subs. by Acts 26 of 2012, s. 9, for clause (b) (w.e.f .23-3-2013).
2. Subs. by the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands (Alteration of Name) Act, 1973 (34 of 1973), s. 5, for “the Laccadive, 
Minicoy and Amindivi Islands” (w.e.f. 1-11-1973).
3. Ins. by Act 26 of 1968, s. 3 and the Sch.
4. Subs. by the Madras State (Alteration of Name) (Adaptation of Laws on Union Subjects) Order, 1970, for “State of Madras”
(w.e.f. 14- 1-1969).
5. Subs. by Act 18 of 1987, s. 21, for clause (ccc) (w.e.f. 30-5-1987).
6. Subs. by Act 53 of 1970, s. 24, for clause (d) (w.e.f. 25-1-1971).
7. Subs. by Act 81 of 1971, s. 34, for “Union territories of Tripura and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands” (w.e.f. 21-1-1972).
8. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 4 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
9. Subs. by Act 26 of 2012, s. 9, for “in the case of the State Bar Council of Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura, the 
Advocate-General of each of the States of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura” (w.e.f. 23-3-2013).
10. Subs. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 4, for clause (b) (w.e.f. 31-1-1974). 
11. Ins. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 2 (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).

1
[(3) There shall be a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman of each State Bar Council elected by the Council in 
such manner as may be prescribed. 
(3A) Every person holding office as Chairman or as Vice-Chairman of any State Bar Council immediately 
before the commencement of the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 1977 (38 of 1977), shall, on such 
commencement, cease to hold office as Chairman or Vice-Chairman, as the case may be: 
Provided that every such person shall continue to carry on the duties of his office until the Chairman or 
the Vice-Chairman, as the case may be, of each State Bar Council, elected after the commencement of the 
Advocates (Amendment) Act, 1977 (38 of 1977), assumes charges of the office.] 
1
[(4) An advocate shall be disqualified from voting at an election under sub-section (2) or for being 
chosen as, and for being, a member of a State Bar Council, unless he possesses such qualifications or satisfies 
such conditions as may be prescribed in this behalf by the Bar Council of India, and subject to any such rules 
that may be made, an electoral roll shall be prepared and revised from time to time by each State Bar Council. 
(5) Nothing in the proviso to sub-section (2) shall affect the term of office of any member elected before 
the commencement of the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 1964 (21 of 1964), but every election after such 
commencement shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the rules made by the Bar Council of India 
to give effect to the said proviso.] 
2
[(6) Nothing in clause (b) of sub-section (2) shall affect the representation of elected members in any 
State Bar Council as constituted immediately before the commencement of the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 
1973 (60 of 1973), until that State Bar Council is reconstituted in accordance with the provisions of this Act.]

4. Bar Council of India.―(1) There shall be a Bar Council for the territories to which this Act extends to 
be known as the Bar Council of India which shall consist of the following members, namely:―
(a) the Attorney-General of India, ex officio; 
(b) the Solicitor-General of India, ex officio; 
3
* * * * * 
(c) one member elected by each State Bar Council from amongst its members. 
4
[(1A) No person shall be eligible for being elected as a member of the Bar Council of India unless he 
possesses the qualifications specified in the proviso to sub-section (2) of section 3.] 
5
[(2) There shall be a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman of the Bar Council of India elected by the Council 
in such manner as may be prescribed. 
(2A) A person holding office as Chairman or as Vice-Chairman of the Bar Council of India immediately 
before the commencement of the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 1977 (38 of 1977), shall, on such 
commencement, cease to hold office as Chairman or Vice-Chairman, as the case may be:
Provided that such person shall continue to carry on the duties of his office until the Chairman or the 
Vice-Chairman, as the case may be, of the Council, elected after the commencement of the Advocates 
(Amendment) Act, 1977 (38 of 1977), assumes charge of the office.] 
 

1. Subs. by Act 38 of 1977, s. 2, for sub-sections (3) and (3A) (w.e.f. 31-10-1977).
2. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 4 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974). 
3. Clause (bb) omitted by Act 38 of 1977, s. 3 (w.e.f. 31-10-1977).
4. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 5 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
5. Subs. by Act 38 of 1977, s. 3, for sub-sections (2) and (2A) (w.e.f. 31-10-1977)

1
[(3) The term of office of a member of the Bar Council of India elected by the State Bar Council shall,—
(i) in the case of a member of a State Bar Council who holds office ex officio, be two years from the 
date of his election 2
[or till he ceases to be a member of the State Bar Council, whichever is earlier]; and 
(ii) in any other case, be for the period for which he holds office as a member of the State Bar 
Council:
Provided that every such member shall continue to hold office as a member of the Bar Council of India 
until his successor is elected.]

5. Bar Council to be body corporate.―Every Bar Council shall be a body corporate having perpetual 
succession and a common seal, with power to acquire and hold property, both movable and immovable, and to 
contract, and may be the name by which it is known sue and be sued. 

6. Functions of State Bar Councils.―(1) The functions of a State Bar Council shall be―
(a) to admit persons as advocates on its roll; 
(b) to prepare and maintain such roll; 
(c) to entertain and determine cases of misconduct against advocates on its roll; 
(d) to safeguard the rights, privileges and interests of advocates on its roll; 
3
[(dd) to promote the growth of Bar Associations for the purposes of effective implementation of the 
welfare schemes referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (2) of this section and clause (a) of sub-section (2) 
of section 7;] 
(e) to promote and support law reform; 
4
[(ee) to conduct seminars and organise talks on legal topics by eminent jurists and publish journals 
and papers of legal interest; 
(eee) to organise legal aid to the poor in the prescribed manner;] 
(f) to manage and invest the funds of the Bar Council; 
(g) to provide for the election of its members; 
3
[(gg) to visit and inspect Universities in accordance with the directions given under clause (i) of 
sub-section (1) of section 7;] 
(h) to perform all other functions conferred on it by or under this Act; 
(i) to do all other things necessary for discharging the aforesaid functions. 
5
[(2) A State Bar Council may constitute one or more funds in the prescribed manner for the purpose of—
(a) giving financial assistance to organise welfare schemes for the indigent, disabled or other 
advocates; 
(b) giving legal aid or advice in accordance with the rules made in this behalf; 
3
[(c) establishing law libraries.]
 

1. Ins. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 3 (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
2. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 5 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
3. Ins. by Act 70 of 1993, s. 2 (w.e.f. 26-12-1993).
4. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 6 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
5. Subs. by s. 6, ibid., for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
 

(3) A State Bar Council may receive any grants, donations, gifts or benefactions for all or any of the 
purposes specified in sub-section (2) which shall be credited to the appropriate fund or funds constituted under 
that sub-section.]

7. Functions of Bar Council of India.― 
1
[(1)] The functions of the Bar Council of India shall be―
2
* * * * * 
(b) to lay down standards of professional conduct and etiquette for advocates; 
(c) to lay down the procedure to be followed by its disciplinary committee and the disciplinary 
committee of each State Bar Council; 
(d) to safeguard the rights, privileges and interests of advocates; 
(e) to promote and support law reform; 
(f) to deal with and dispose of any matter arising under this Act, which may be referred to it by a State 
Bar Council; 
(g) to exercise general supervision and control over State Bar Councils; 
(h) to promote legal education and to lay down standards of such education in consultation with the 
Universities in India imparting such education and the State Bar Councils; 
(i) to recognise Universities whose degree in law shall be a qualification for enrolment as an advocate 
and for that purpose to visit and inspect Universities 3
[or cause the State Bar Councils to visit and inspect 
Universities in accordance with such directions as it may give in this behalf];
4
[(ia) to conduct seminars and organise talks on legal topics by eminent jurists and publish journals 
and papers of legal interest; 
(ib) to organise legal aid to the poor in the prescribed manner; 
(ic) to recognise on a reciprocal basis foreign qualifications in law obtained outside India for the 
purpose of admission as an advocate under this Act;] 
(j) to manage and invest the funds of the Bar Council; 
(k) to provide for the election of its members; 
(l) to perform all other functions conferred on it by or under this Act; 
(m) to do all other things necessary for discharging the aforesaid functions. 
4
[(2) The Bar Council of India may constitute one or more funds in the prescribed manner for the purpose 
of—
(a) giving financial assistance to organise welfare schemes for indigent, disabled or other advocates; 
(b) giving legal aid or advice in accordance with the rules made in this behalf. 
5
[(c) establishing law libraries.] 
(3) The Bar Council of India may receive any grants, donations, gifts or benefactions for all or any of the 
purposes specified in sub-section (2) which shall be credited to the appropriate fund or funds constituted under 
that sub-section.]

1. Section 7 re-numbered as sub-section (1) of that section by Act 60 of 1973, s. 7 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
2. Clause (a) omitted by s. 7, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
3. Added by Act 70 of 1993, s. 3 (w.e.f. 26-12-1993).
4. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 7 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
5. Ins. by Act 70 of 1993, s. 3 (w.e.f. 26-12-1993).
 

7A. Membership in international bodies.―The Bar Council of India may become a member of 
international legal bodies such as the International Bar Association or the International Legal Aid Association, 
contribute such sums as it thinks fit to such bodies by way of subscription or otherwise and authorise 
expenditure on the participation of its representatives in any international legal conference or seminar.

8. Term of office of members of State Bar Council.―The term of office of an elected member of a 
State Bar Council (other than an elected member thereof referred to in section 54) shall be five years from the 
date of publication of the result of his election: 
Provided that where a State Bar Council fails to provide for the election of its members before the expiry 
of the said term, the Bar Council of India may, by order, for reasons to be recorded in writing, extend the said 
term for a period not exceeding six months.

8A. Constitution of Special Committee in the absence of election.―(1) Where a State Bar Council fails 
to provide for the election of its members before the expiry of the term of five years or the extended term, as 
the case may be, referred to in section 8, the Bar Council of India shall, on and from the date immediately 
following the day of such expiry, constitute a Special Committee consisting of―
(i) the ex officio member of the State Bar Council referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (2) of 
section 3 to be the Chairman: 
Provided that where there are more than one ex officio members, the senior most amongst them shall 
be the Chairman; and 
(ii) two members to be nominated by the Bar Council of India from amongst advocates on the 
electoral roll of the State Bar Council, 
to discharge the functions of the State Bar Council until the Bar Council is constituted under this Act. 
(2) On the constitution of the Special Committee and until the State Bar Council is constituted—
(a) all properties and assets vesting in the State Bar Council shall vest in the Special Committee; 
(b) all rights, liabilities and obligations of the State Bar Council, whether arising out of any contract or 
otherwise, shall be the rights, liabilities and obligations of the Special Committee; 
(c) all proceedings pending before the State Bar Council in respect of any disciplinary matter or 
otherwise shall stand transferred to the Special Committee. 
(3) The Special Committee constituted under sub-section (1) shall, in accordance with such directions as 
the Bar Council of India may give to it in this behalf, hold elections to the State Bar Council within a period of 
six months from the date of its constitution under sub-section (1), and where, for any reason the Special 
Committee is not in a position to conduct election within the said period of six months, the Bar Council of 
India may, for reasons to be recorded by it in writing, extend the said period.]

9. Disciplinary committees.―(1) A Bar Council shall constitute one or more disciplinary committees, 
each of which shall consist of three persons of whom two shall be persons elected by the Council from 
amongst its members and the other shall be a person co-opted by the Council from amongst advocates who 
possess the qualifications specified in the proviso to sub-section (2) of section 3 and who are not members of 
the Council, and the senior-most advocate amongst the members of a disciplinary committee shall be the 
Chairman thereof. 
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), any disciplinary committee constituted prior to 
the commencement of the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 1964 (21 of 1964) may dispose of the proceedings 
pending before it as if this section had not been amended by the said Act.

1. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 8 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
2. Subs. by Act 70 of 1993, s. 4, for section 8 (w.e.f. 26-12-1993).
3. Subs. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 5, for section 9 (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
 

9A. Constitution of legal aid committees.―(1) A Bar Council may constitute one or more legal aid 
committees each of which shall consist of such number of members, not exceeding nine but not less than five, 
as may be prescribed. 
(2) The qualifications, the method of selection and the term of office of the members of a legal aid 
committee shall be such as may be prescribed.

10. Constitution of committees other than disciplinary committees.―(1) A State Bar Council shall 
constitute the following standing committees, namely:―
(a) an executive committee consisting of five members elected by the Council from amongst its 
members; 
(b) an enrolment committee consisting of three members elected by the Council from amongst its 
members. 
(2) The Bar Council of India shall constitute the following standing committees, namely:―
(a) an executive committee consisting of nine members elected by the Council from amongst its 
members; 
(b) a legal education committee consisting of ten members, of whom five shall be persons elected by 
the Council from amongst its members and five shall be persons co- opted by the Council who are not 
members thereof. 
(3) A State Bar Council and the Bar Council of India may constitute from amongst its members such other 
committees as it may deem necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.

10A. Transaction of business by Bar Councils and committees thereof.―3
[(1) The Bar Council of 
India shall meet at New Delhi or at such other place as it may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, 
determine. 
(2) A State Bar Council shall meet at its headquarters or at such other place as it may, for reasons to be 
recorded in writing, determine.] 
(3) The committees other than disciplinary committees constituted by the Bar Councils shall meet at the 
headquarters of the respective Bar Councils. 
(4) Every Bar Council and every committee thereof except the disciplinary committees shall observe such 
rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at their meetings as may be prescribed. 
(5) The disciplinary committees constituted under section 9 shall meet at such times and places and shall 
observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at their meetings as may be 
prescribed.]

10B. Disqualification of members of Bar Council.―An elected member of a Bar Council shall be 
deemed to have vacated his office if he is declared by the Bar Council of which he is a member to have been 
absent without sufficient excuse from three consecutive meetings of such Council, or if his name is, for any 
cause, removed from the roll of advocates or if he is otherwise disqualified under any rule made by the Bar 
Council of India.

1. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 9 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
2. Ins. by s. 10, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
3. Subs. by Act 70 of 1993, s. 5, for sub-sections (1) and (2) (w.e.f. 26-12-1993).
4. Ins. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 6 (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
5. Section 10A re-numbered as section 10B of the Act by Act 60 of 1973, s. 10 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974). 
 

11. Staff of Bar Council.―(1) Every Bar Council shall appoint a secretary and may appoint an 
accountant and such number of other persons on its staff as it may deem necessary. 
(2) The secretary and the accountant, if any, shall possess such qualifications as may be prescribed.

12. Accounts and Audit.―(1) Every Bar Council shall cause to be maintained such books of accounts 
and other books in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed. 
(2) The accounts of a Bar Council shall be audited by auditors duly qualified to act as auditors of 
companies under the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956), at such times and in such manner as may be 
prescribed. 
1
[(3) As soon as may be practicable at the end of each financial year, but not later than the 31st day of 
December of the year next following, a State Bar Council shall send a copy of its accounts together with a 
copy of the report of the auditors thereon to the Bar Council of India and shall cause the same to be published 
in the official Gazette. 
(4) As soon as may be practicable at the end of each financial year, but not later than the 31st day of 
December of the year next following, the Bar Council of India shall send a copy of its accounts together with 
a copy of the report of the auditors thereon to the Central Government and shall cause the same to be 
published in the Gazette of India.

13. Vacancies in Bar Council and committees thereof not to invalidate action taken.―No act done by 
a Bar Council or any committee thereof shall be called in question on the ground merely of the existence of 
any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the Council or committee, as the case may be.

14. Election to Bar Councils not to be questioned on certain grounds.― No election of a member to a 
Bar Council shall be called in question on the ground merely that due notice thereof has not been given to any 
person entitled to vote thereat, if notice of the date has, not less than thirty days before that date, been 
published in the Official Gazette.

15. Power to make rules.―(1) A Bar Council may make rules to carry out the purposes of this Chapter. 
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide 
for―
2
[(a) the election of members of the Bar Council by secret ballot including the conditions subject to 
which persons can exercise the right to vote by postal ballot, the preparation and revision of electoral rolls 
and the manner in which the results of election shall be published;] 
3
* * * * * 
4
[(c) the manner of election of the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the Bar Council;] 
(d) the manner in which and the authority by which doubts and disputes as to the validity of an 
election to the Bar Council 4
[or to the office of the Chairman or Vice-Chairman] shall be finally decided; 
5
* * * * * 
(f) the filling of casual vacancies in the Bar Council; 
(g) the powers and duties of the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the Bar Council; 
1
[(ga) the constitution of one or more funds by a Bar Council for the purpose of giving financial 
assistance or giving legal aid or advice referred to in sub-section (2) of section 6 and sub-section (2) of 
section 7; 
(gb) organisation of legal aid and advice to the poor, constitution and functions of committees and 
sub-committees for that purpose and description of proceedings in connection with which legal aid or 
advice may be given;] 
(h) the summoning and holding of meetings of the Bar Council, 2
*** the conduct of business thereat, 
and the number of members necessary to constitute a quorum; 
(i) the constitution and functions of any committee of the Bar Council and the term of office of 
members of any such committee; 
(j) the summoning and holding of meetings, the conduct of business of any such committee, and the 
number of members necessary to constitute a quorum; 
(k) the qualifications and the conditions of service of the secretary, the accountant and other 
employees of the Bar Council; 
(l) the maintenance of books of accounts and other books by the Bar Council; 
(m) the appointment of auditors and the audit of the accounts of the Bar Council; 
(n) the management and investment of the funds of the Bar Council. 
(3) No rules made under this section by a State Bar Council shall have effect unless they have been 
approved by the Bar Council of India.

ADMISSION AND ENROLMENT OF ADVOCATES
16. Senior and other advocates.―(1) There shall be two classes of advocates, namely, senior advocates 
and other advocates. 
(2) An advocate may, with his consent, be designated as senior advocate if the Supreme Court or a High 
Court is of opinion that by virtue of his ability, 3
[standing at the Bar or special knowledge or experience in 
law] he is deserving of such distinction. 
(3) Senior advocates shall, in the matter of their practice, be subject to such restrictions as the Bar Council 
of India may, in the interests of the legal profession, prescribe. 
(4) An advocate of the Supreme Court who was a senior advocate of that Court immediately before the 
appointed day shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to be a senior advocate: 
4
[Provided that where any such senior advocate makes an application before the 31st December, 1965 to 
the Bar Council maintaining the roll in which his name has been entered that he does not desire to continue as 
a senior advocate, the Bar Council may grant the application and the roll shall be altered accordingly.]

17. State Bar Councils to maintain roll of advocates.―(1) Every State Bar Council shall prepare and 
maintain a roll of advocates in which shall be entered the names and addresses of—
(a) all persons who were entered as advocates on the roll of any High Court under the Indian Bar 
Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926), immediately before the appointed day 5
[including persons, being citizens 

1. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 12 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
2. The words “the times and places where such meetings are to be held” omitted by s. 12, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
3. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for “experience and standing at the Bar” (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
4. Ins. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 8 (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
5. Subs. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 14, for “and who, within the prescribed time” (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).

of India, who before the 15th day of August, 1947, were enrolled as advocates under the said Act in any 
area which before the said date was comprised within India as defined in the Government of India 
Act, 1935 and who at any time] express an intention in the prescribed manner to practise within the 
jurisdiction of the Bar Council;
(b) all other persons who are admitted to be advocates on the roll of the State Bar Council under this 
Act on or after the appointed day. 
(2) Each such roll of advocates shall consist of two parts, the first part containing the names of senior 
advocates and the second part, the names of other advocates. 
(3) Entries in each part of the roll of advocates prepared and maintained by a State Bar Council under this 
section shall be in the order of seniority, 1
[and, subject to any rule that may be made by the Bar Council of 
India in this behalf, such seniority shall be determined] as follows:―
(a) the seniority of an advocate referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall be determined in 
accordance with his date of enrolment under the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926); 
(b) the seniority of any person who was a senior advocate of the Supreme Court immediately before 
the appointed day shall, for the purposes of the first part of the State roll, be determined in accordance 
with such principles as the Bar Council of India may specify; 
2
* * * * * 
(d) the seniority of any other person who, on or after the appointed day, is enrolled as a senior 
advocate or is admitted as an advocate shall be determined by the date of such enrolment or admission, as 
the case may be. 
3
[(e) notwithstanding anything contained in clause (a), the seniority of an attorney enrolled [whether 
before or after the commencement of the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 1980 (47 of 1980)] as an advocate 
shall be determined in accordance with the date of his enrolment as an attorney.] 
(4) No person shall be enrolled as an advocate on the roll of more than one State Bar Council.

18. Transfer of name from one State roll to another.―(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in 
section 17, any person whose name is entered as an advocate on the roll of any State Bar Council may make 
an application in the prescribed form to the Bar Council of India for the transfer of his name from the roll of 
that State Bar Council to the roll of any other State Bar Council and, on receipt of any such application the 
Bar Council of India shall direct that the name of such person shall, without the payment of any fee, be 
removed from the roll of the first mentioned State Bar Council and entered in the roll of the other State Bar 
Council and the State Bar Councils concerned shall comply with such direction: 
4
[Provided that where any such application for transfer is made by a person against whom any disciplinary 
proceeding is pending or where for any other reason it appears to the Bar Council of India that the application 
for transfer has not been made bona fide and that the transfer should not be made, the Bar Council of India 
may, after giving the person making the application an opportunity of making a representation in this behalf, 
reject the application.] 
(2) For the removal of doubts it is hereby declared that where on an application made by an advocate 
under sub-section (1), his name is transferred from the roll of one State Bar Council to that of another, he shall 
retain the same seniority in the latter roll to which he was entitled in the former roll.

 
1. Subs. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 9, for “and such seniority shall be determined” (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
2. Clause (c) omitted by Act 60 of 1973, s. 14 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
3. Ins. by Act 47 of 1980, s. 2 (29-11-1980).
4. The proviso added by Act 21 of 1964, s. 10 (w.e.f. 16-5-1964)

19. State Bar Councils to send copies of rolls of advocates to the Bar Council of India.―Every State 
Bar Council shall send to the Bar Council of India an authenticated copy of the roll of advocates prepared by 
it for the first time under this Act and shall thereafter communicate to the Bar Council of India all alterations 
in and additions to any such roll, as soon as the same have been made.

20. Special provision for enrolment of certain Supreme Court advocates.―(1) Notwithstanding 
anything contained in this Chapter, every advocate who was entitled as of right to practise in the Supreme 
Court immediately before the appointed day and whose name is not entered in any State roll may, within the 
prescribed time, express his intention in the prescribed form to the Bar Council of India for the entry of his 
name in the roll of a State Bar Council and on receipt thereof the Bar Council of India shall direct that the 
name of such advocate shall, without payment of any fee, be entered in the roll of that State Bar Council, and 
the State Bar Council concerned shall comply with such direction. 
(2) Any entry in the State roll made in compliance with the direction of the Bar Council of India under 
sub-section (1) shall be made in the order of seniority determined in accordance with the provisions of subsection (3) of section 17. 
(3) Where an advocate referred to in sub-section (1) omits or fails to express his intention within the 
prescribed time, his name shall be entered in the roll of the State Bar Council of Delhi.

21. Disputes regarding seniority.―(1) Where the date of seniority of two or more persons is the same, 
the one senior in age shall be reckoned as senior to the other. 

(2) Subject as aforesaid, if any dispute arises with respect to the seniority of any person, it shall be 
referred to the State Bar Council concerned for decision.

22. Certificate of enrolment.―(1) There shall be issued a certificate of enrolment in the prescribed 
form by the State Bar Council to every person whose name is entered in the roll of advocates maintained by it
under this Act. 
(2) Every person whose name is so entered in the State roll shall notify any change in the place of his 
permanent residence to the State Bar Council concerned within ninety days of such change.

23. Right of pre-audience.―(1) The Attorney-General of India shall have pre-audience over all other 
advocates. 
(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), the Solicitor-General of India shall have pre-audience over 
all other advocates. 
(3) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (1) and (2), the Additional Solicitor-General of India shall 
have pre-audience over all other advocates.
[(3A) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (1), (2) and (3), the second Additional Solicitor-General 
of India shall have pre-audience over all other advocates.] 
(4) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (1), 5
[(2), (3) and (3A)], the Advocate-General of any State 
shall have pre-audience over all other advocates, and the right of pre-audience among Advocates-General 
inter se shall be determined by their respective seniority. 
(5) Subject as aforesaid—
(i) senior advocates shall have pre-audience over other advocates, and 
(ii) the right of pre-audience of senior advocates inter se and other advocates inter se shall be 
determined by their respective seniority.

24. Persons who may be admitted as advocates on a State roll.―(1) Subject to the provisions of this 
Act, and the rules made thereunder, a person shall be qualified to be admitted as an advocate on a State roll, if 
he fulfils the following conditions, namely:―
(a) he is a citizen of India: 
Provided that subject to the other provisions contained in this Act, a national of any other country may be 
admitted as an advocate on a State roll, if citizens of India, duly qualified, are permitted to practise law in that 
other country; 
(b) he has completed the age of twenty-one years; 
(c) he has obtained a degree in law—
(i) before the 1
[12th day of March, 1967], from any University in the territory of India; or 
(ii) before the 15th day of August, 1947, from any University in any area which was comprised 
before that date within India as defined by the Government of India Act, 1935; or 
2
[(iii) after the 12th day of March, 1967, save as provided in sub-clause (iiia), after undergoing a 
three-year course of study in law from any University in India which is recognised for the purposes of 
this Act by the Bar Council of India; or 
(iiia) after undergoing a course of study in law, the duration of which is not less than two 
academic years commencing from the academic year 1967-68 or any earlier academic year from any 
University in India which is recognised for the purposes of this Act by the Bar Council of India; or] 
3
[(iv) in any other case, from any University outside the territory of India, if the degree is 
recognised for the purposes of this Act by the Bar Council of India; or] 
4
[he is a barrister and is called to the Bar on or before the 31st day of December, 1976; 5
[or has passed 
the article clerk's examination or any other examination specified by the High Court at Bombay or 
Calcutta for enrolment as an attorney of that High Court;] or has obtained such other foreign 
qualification in law as is recognised by the Bar Council of India for the purpose of admission as an 
advocate under this Act];
(e) he fulfils such other conditions as may be specified in the rules made by the State Bar Council 
under this Chapter; 
7
[(f) he has paid, in respect of the enrolment, stamp duty, if any, chargeable under the Indian Stamp 
Act, 1899 (2 of 1899), and an enrolment fee payable to the State Bar Council of 8
[six hundred rupees and 
to the Bar Council of India, one hundred and fifty rupees by way of a bank draft drawn in favour of that 
Council:] 

1. Subs. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 18, for “28th day of February, 1963” (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
2. Subs. by s. 18, ibid., for sub-clause (iii) (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
3. Ins. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 13 (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
4. Subs. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 18, for “he is a barrister” (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
5. Ins. by Act 107 of 1976, s. 6 (w.e.f. 15-10-1976).
6. Clause (d) omitted by Act 60 of 1973, s. 18 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
7. Subs. by s. 18, ibid., for clause (f) (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
8. Subs. by Act 70 of 1993, s. 6, for “two hundred and fifty rupees” (w.e.f. 26-12-1993)
 

Provided that where such person is a member of the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes and 
produces a certificate to that effect from such authority as may be prescribed, the enrolment fee payable 
by him to the State Bar Council shall be 1
[one hundred rupees and to the Bar Council of India, twenty-five 
rupees.] 
2
[Explanation.―For the purposes of this sub-section, a person shall be deemed to have obtained a 
degree in law from a University in India on the date on which the results of the examination for that 
degree are published by the University on its notice board or otherwise declaring him to have passed that 
examination.] 
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), 3
[a vakil or a pleader who is a law graduate] 
may be admitted as an advocate on a State roll if he—
(a) makes an application for such enrolment in accordance with the provisions of this Act, not later 
than two years from the appointed day; and 
(b) fulfils the conditions specified in clauses (a), (b), (e) and (f) of sub-section (1). 
4
[(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) a person who—
(a) 5
*** has, for at least three years, been a vakil or a pleader or a mukhtar, or was entitled at any time 
to be enrolled under any law 6
*** as an advocate of a High Court (including a High Court of a former Part 
B State) or of a Court of Judicial Commissioner in any Union territory; or 
7
[(aa) before the 1st day of December, 1961, was entitled otherwise than as an advocate to practise the 
profession of law (whether by way of pleading or acting or both) by virtue of the provisions of any law, or 
who would have been so entitled had he not been in public service on the said date; or] 
8
* * * * * 
(c) before the 1st day of April, 1937, has been an advocate of any High Court in any area which was 
comprised within Burma as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 (25 & 26 Geo. 5 C 42); or 
(d) is entitled to be enrolled as an advocate under any rule made by the Bar Council of India in this 
behalf, 
may be admitted as an advocate on a State roll if he—
(i) makes an application for such enrolment in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and 
(ii) fulfils the conditions specified in clauses (a), (b), (e) and (f) of sub-section (1).]

24A. Disqualification for enrolment.―(1) No person shall be admitted as an advocate on a State 
roll―
(a) if he is convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude; 
(b) if he is convicted of an offence under the provisions of the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955 
(22 of 1955);

1. Subs. by Act 70 of 1993, s. 6, for “one hundred and twenty-five rupees” (w.e.f. 26-12-1993).
2. Ins. by Act 14 of 1962, s. 2 (w.e.f. 30-3-1962).
3. Subs. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 13, for certain words (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
4. Ins. by s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
5. The words, figures and letter “before the 31st day of March, 1964,” omitted by Act 33 of 1968, s. 2 (w.e.f. 5-6-1968).
6. The words “then in force” omitted by s. 2, ibid. (w.e.f. 5-6- 1968).
7. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 18 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
8. Clause (b) omitted by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
9. Sub-section (4) omitted by Act 107 of 1976, s. 6 (w.e.f. 15-10-1976).
10. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 19 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
 

1
[(c) if he is dismissed or removed from employment or office under the State on any charge 
involving moral turpitude. 
Explanation.―In this clause, the expression “State” shall have the meaning assigned to it under 
article 12 of the Constitution:] 
Provided that the disqualification for enrolment as aforesaid shall cease to have effect after a period of 
two years has elapsed since his 2
[released or dismissal or, as the case may be, removal.] 
(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall apply to a person who having been found guilty is dealt 
with under the provisions of the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958 (20 of 1958).]

25. Authority to whom applications for enrolment may be made.―An application for admission as an 
advocate shall be made in the prescribed form to the State Bar Council within whose jurisdiction the applicant 
proposes to practise.

26. Disposal of applications for admission as an advocate.―(1) A State Bar Council shall refer every 
application for admission as an advocate to its enrolment committee, and subject to the provisions of 
sub-sections (2) and (3) 
[and to any direction that may be given in writing by the State Bar Council in this 
behalf], such committee shall dispose of the application in the prescribed manner: 
Provided that the Bar Council of India may, if satisfied, either on a reference made to it in this behalf or 
otherwise, that any person has got his name entered on the roll of advocates by misrepresentation as to an 
essential fact or by fraud or undue influence, remove the name of such person from the roll of advocates after 
giving him an opportunity of being heard.]
(2) Where the enrolment committee of a State Bar Council proposes to refuse any such application, it shall 
refer the application for opinion to the Bar Council of India and every such reference shall be accompanied by 
a statement of the grounds in support of the refusal of the application. 
(3) The enrolment committee of a State Bar Council shall dispose of any application referred to the Bar 
Council of India under sub-section (2) in conformity with the opinion of the Bar Council of India. 
(4) Where the enrolment committee of a State Bar Council has refused any application for admission as 
an advocate on its roll, the State Bar Council shall, as soon as may be, send intimation to all other State Bar 
Councils about such refusal stating the name, address and qualifications of the person whose application was 
refused and the grounds for the refusal.

26A. Power to remove names from roll.―A State Bar Council may remove from the State roll the 
name of any advocate who is dead or from whom a request has been received to that effect

27. Application once refused not to be entertained by another Bar Council except in certain 
circumstances.―Where a State Bar Council has refused the application of any person for admission as an 
advocate on its roll, no other State Bar Council shall entertain an application for admission of such person as 
an advocate on its roll, except with the previous consent in writing of the State Bar Council which refused the 
application and of the Bar Council of India.

28. Power to make rules.―(1) A State Bar Council may make rules to carry out the purposes of this 
Chapter.

1. Ins. by Act 70 of 1993, s. 7 (w.e.f. 26-12-1993).
2. Subs. by s. 7, ibid., for “release” (w.e.f. 26-12-1993).
3. Ins. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 14 (w.e.f.16-5-1964).
4. The proviso added by s. 14, ibid. (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
5. Subs. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 20, for section 26A (w.e.f. 31-1-1974)

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide 
for—
1
[(a) the time within which and form in which an advocate shall express his intention for the entry of 
his name in the roll of a State Bar Council under section 20;] 
2
* * * * *
(c) the form in which an application shall be made to the Bar Council for admission as an advocate 
on its roll and the manner in which such application shall be disposed of by the enrolment committee of 
the Bar Council; 
(d) the conditions subject to which a person may be admitted as an advocate on any such roll; 
(e) the instalments in which the enrolment fee may be paid. 
(3) No rules made under this Chapter shall have effect unless they have been approved by the Bar Council 
of India.

29. Advocates to be the only recognised class of persons entitled to practise law.―Subject to the 
provisions of this Act and any rules made thereunder, there shall, as from the appointed day, be only one class 
of persons entitled to practise the profession of law, namely, advocates.

30. Right of advocates to practise.―Subject to the provisions of this Act, every advocate whose name is 
entered in the 3
[State roll] shall be entitled as of right to practise throughout the territories to which this Act 
extends,―
(i) in all courts including the Supreme Court; 
(ii) before any tribunal or person legally authorised to take evidence; and 
(iii) before any other authority or person before whom such advocate is by or under any law for the 
time being in force entitled to practise.

31. [Special provision for attorneys.].―Omitted by the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 1976 (107 of 1976),
s. 7 (w.e.f. 1-1-1977).

32. Power of court to permit appearances in particular cases.―Notwithstanding anything contained in 
this Chapter, any court, authority, or person may permit any person, not enrolled as an advocate under this 
Act, to appear before it or him in any particular case.

33. Advocates alone entitled to practise.―Except as otherwise provided in this Act or in any other law 
for the time being in force, no person shall, on or after the appointed day, be entitled to practise in any court or 
before any authority or person unless he is enrolled as an advocate under this Act.

34. Power of High Courts to make rules.―(1) The High Court may make rules laying down the 
conditions subject to which an advocate shall be permitted to practise in the High Court and the courts 
subordinate thereto. 
(1A) The High Court shall make rules for fixing and regulating by taxation or otherwise the fees payable 
as costs by any party in respect of the fees of his adversary's advocate upon all proceedings in the High Court 
or in any Court subordinate thereto.

1. Subs. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 21, for clause (a) (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
2. Clause (b) omitted by s. 21, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
3. Subs. by s. 22, ibid., for “common roll” (w.e.f. 31-1- 1974).
4. Ins. by s. 23, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
 

(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-section (1), the High Court at Calcutta may 
make rules providing for the holding of the Intermediate and the Final examinations for articled clerks to be 
passed by the persons referred to in section 58AG for the purpose of being admitted as advocates on the State 
roll and any other matter connected therewith.

35. Punishment of advocates for misconduct.―(1) Where on receipt of a complaint or otherwise a State 
Bar Council has reason to believe that any advocate on its roll has been guilty of professional or other 
misconduct, it shall refer the case for disposal to its disciplinary committee. 
3
[(1A) The State Bar Council may, either of its own motion or on application made to it by any person 
interested, withdraw a proceeding pending before its disciplinary committee and direct the inquiry to be made 
by any other disciplinary committee of that State Bar Council.] 
(2) The disciplinary committee of a State Bar Council 4
*** shall fix a date for the hearing of the case and 
shall cause a notice thereof to be given to the advocate concerned and to the Advocate-General of the State. 
(3) The disciplinary committee of a State Bar Council after giving the advocate concerned and the 
Advocate-General an opportunity of being heard, may make any of the following orders, namely:―
(a) dismiss the complaint or, where the proceedings were initiated at the instance of the State Bar 
Council, direct that the proceedings be filed;
(b) reprimand the advocate; 
(c) suspend the advocate from practice for such period as it may deem fit; 
(d) remove the name of the advocate from the State roll of advocates. 
(4) Where an advocate is suspended from practice under clause (c) of sub-section (3), he shall, during the 
period of suspension, be debarred from practising in any court or before any authority or person in India. 
(5) Where any notice is issued to the Advocate-General under sub-section (2), the Advocate-General may 
appear before the disciplinary committee of the State Bar Council either in person or through any advocate 
appearing on his behalf. 
5
[Explanation.―In this section, 3
[section 37 and section 38], the expressions “Advocate-General” and 
“Advocate-General of the State” shall, in relation to the Union territory of Delhi, mean the Additional 
Solicitor General of India.

36. Disciplinary powers of Bar Council of India.―(1) Where on receipt of a complaint or otherwise the 
Bar Council of India has reason to believe that any advocate 6
*** whose name is not entered on any State roll 
has been guilty of professional or other misconduct, it shall refer the case for disposal to its disciplinary 
committee. 
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter, the disciplinary committee of the Bar Council of 
India may, 7
[either of its own motion or on a report by any State Bar Council or on an application made to it 

1. Ins. by Act 38 of 1977, s. 6 (w.e.f. 31-10-1977).
2. Sub-section (3) omitted by Act 107 of 1976, s. 8 (w.e.f. 1-1-1977).
3. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 24 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
4. The words “, if it does not summarily reject the complaint,” omitted by s. 24, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
5. Ins. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 17 (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
6. The words “on the common roll” omitted by Act 60 of 1973, s. 25 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
7. Subs. by s. 25, ibid., for “of its own motion” (w.e.f. 31-1- 1974).
 

by any person interested], withdraw for inquiry before itself any proceedings for disciplinary action against 
any advocate pending before the disciplinary committee of any State Bar Council and dispose of the same. 
(3) The disciplinary committee of the Bar Council of India, in disposing of any case under this section, 
shall observe, so far as may be, the procedure laid down in section 35, the references to the Advocate-General 
in that section being construed as references to the Attorney-General of India. 
(4) In disposing of any proceedings under this section the disciplinary committee of the Bar Council of 
India may make any order which the disciplinary committee of a State Bar Council can make under 
sub-section (3) of section 35, and where any proceedings have been withdrawn for inquiry 1
[before the 
disciplinary committee of the Bar Council of India], the State Bar Council concerned shall give effect to any 
such order.

36A. Changes in constitution of disciplinary committees.―Whenever in respect of any proceedings 
under section 35 or section 36, a disciplinary committee of the State Bar Council or a disciplinary committee 
of the Bar Council of India ceases to exercise jurisdiction and is succeeded by another committee which has 
and exercises jurisdiction, the disciplinary committee of the State Bar Council or the disciplinary committee 
of the Bar Council of India, as the case may be, so succeeding may continue the proceedings from the stage at 
which the proceedings were so left by its predecessor committee

36B. Disposal of disciplinary proceedings.―(1) The disciplinary committee of a State Bar Council shall 
dispose of the complaint received by it under section 35 expeditiously and in each case the proceedings shall 
be concluded within a period of one year from the date of the receipt of the complaint or the date of initiation 
of the proceedings at the instance of the State Bar Council, as the case may be, failing which such proceedings 
shall stand transferred to the Bar Council of India which may dispose of the same as if it were a proceeding 
withdrawn for inquiry under sub-section (2) of section 36. 
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where on the commencement of the Advocates 
(Amendment) Act, 1973 (60 of 1973), any proceedings in respect of any disciplinary matter against an 
advocate is pending before the disciplinary committee of a State Bar Council, that disciplinary committee of 
the State Bar Council shall dispose of the same within a period of six months from the date of such 
commencement or within a period of one year from the date of the receipt of the complaint or, as the case may 
be, the date of initiation of the proceedings at the instance of the State Bar Council, whichever is later, failing 
which such proceedings shall stand transferred to the Bar Council of India for disposal under sub-section (1).

37. Appeal to the Bar Council of India.―(1) Any person aggrieved by an order of the disciplinary 
committee of a State Bar Council made 3
[under section 35] 4
[or the Advocate-General of the State] may, 
within sixty days of the date of the communication of the order to him, prefer an appeal to the Bar Council of 
India. 
(2) Every such appeal shall be heard by the disciplinary committee of the Bar Council of India which may 
pass such order 4
[(including an order varying the punishment awarded by the disciplinary committee of the 
State Bar Council)] thereon as it deems fit: 
4
[Provided that no order of the disciplinary committee of the State Bar Council shall be varied by the 
disciplinary committee of the Bar Council of India so as to prejudicially affect the person aggrieved without 
giving him reasonable opportunity of being heard.

1. Subs. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 25, for “before the Bar Council of India” (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
2. Ins. by s. 26, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
3. Subs. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 18, for “under sub-section (3) of section 35” (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
4. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 27 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974)

38. Appeal to the Supreme Court.―Any person aggrieved by an order made by the disciplinary 
committee of the Bar Council of India under section 36 or section 37 1
[or the Attorney-General of India or the 
Advocate-General of the State concerned, as the case may be,] may, within sixty days of the date on which the 
order is communicated to him, prefer an appeal to the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court may pass such 
order 1
[(including an order varying the punishment awarded by the disciplinary committee of the Bar Council 
of India)] thereon as it deems fit: 
1
[Provided that no order of the disciplinary committee of the Bar Council of India shall be varied by the 
Supreme Court so as to prejudicially affect the person aggrieved without giving him a reasonable opportunity 
of being heard.

39. Application of sections 5 and 12 of Limitation Act, 1963.―The provisions of sections 5 and 12 of 
the Limitation Act, 1963 (36 of 1963), shall, so far as may be, apply to appeals under section 37 and section 
38.

40. Stay of order.―3
[(1)] An appeal, made under section 37 or section 38, shall not operate as a stay of 
the order appealed against, but the disciplinary committee of the Bar Council of India, or the Supreme Court, 
as the case may be, may, for sufficient cause, direct the stay of such order on such terms and conditions as it 
may deem fit. 
4
[(2) Where an application is made for stay of the order before the expiration of the time allowed for 
appealing therefrom under section 37 or section 38, the disciplinary committee of the State Bar Council, or the 
disciplinary committee of the Bar Council of India, as the case may be, may, for sufficient cause, direct the 
stay of such order on such terms and conditions as it may deem fit.

41. Alteration in roll of advocates.―(1) Where an order is made under this Chapter reprimanding or 
suspending an advocate, a record of the punishment shall be entered against his name—
(a) in the case of an advocate whose name is entered in a State roll, in that roll; 
5
* * * * * 
and where any order is made removing an advocate from practice, his name shall be struck off the State roll 
6
***.
7
* * * * *
(3) Where any advocate is suspended or removed from practice, the certificate granted to him under 
section 22, in respect of his enrolment shall be recalled

42. Powers of disciplinary committee.―(1) The disciplinary committee of a Bar Council shall have the 
same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), in respect of 
the following matters, namely:―
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath; 
(b) requiring discovery and production of any documents; 
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits; 
(d) requisitioning any public record or copies thereof from any court or office; 
(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents; 
(f) any other matter which may be prescribed: 

1. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 28 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
2. Subs. by s. 29, ibid., for section 39 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
3. Section 40 re-numbered as sub-section (1) of that section by s. 30, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
4. Ins. by s. 30, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
5. Clause (b) omitted by s. 31, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
6. The words “or the common roll, as the case may be” omitted by s. 31, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
7. Sub-section (2) omitted by s. 31, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
 

Provided that no such disciplinary committee shall have the right to require the attendance of—
(a) any presiding officer of a court except with the previous sanction of the High Court to which such 
court is subordinate; 
(b) any officer of a revenue court except with the previous sanction of the State Government. 
(2) All proceedings before a disciplinary committee of a Bar Council shall be deemed to be judicial 
proceedings within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860), and every 
such disciplinary committee shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of sections 480, 482 and 485 
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 18981
(5 of 1898). 
(3) For the purposes of exercising any of the powers conferred by sub-section (1), a disciplinary 
committee may send to any civil court in the territories to which this Act extends, any summons or other 
process, for the attendance of a witness or the production of a document required by the committee or any 
commission which it desires to issue, and the civil court shall cause such process to be served or such 
commission to be issued, as the case may be, and may enforce any such process as if it were a process for 
attendance or production before itself. 
2
[(4) Notwithstanding the absence of the Chairman or any member of a disciplinary committee on a date 
fixed for the hearing of a case before it, the disciplinary committee may, if it so thinks fit, hold or continue the 
proceedings on the date so fixed and no such proceedings and no order made by the disciplinary committee in 
any such proceedings shall be invalid merely by reason of the absence of the Chairman or member thereof on 
any such date: 
Provided that no final orders of the nature referred to in sub- section (3) of section 35 shall be made in any 
proceeding unless the Chairman and other members of the disciplinary committee are present. 
(5) Where no final orders of the nature referred to in sub- section (3) of section 35 can be made in any 
proceedings in accordance with the opinion of the Chairman and the members of a disciplinary committee 
either for want of majority opinion amongst themselves or otherwise, the case, with their opinion thereon, 
shall be laid before the Chairman of the Bar Council concerned or if the Chairman of the Bar Council is acting 
as the Chairman or a member of the disciplinary committee, before the Vice-Chairman of the Bar Council, 
and the said Chairman or the Vice-Chairman of the Bar Council, as the case may be, after such hearing as he 
thinks fit, shall deliver his opinion and the final order of the disciplinary committee shall follow such opinion.

42A. Powers of Bar Council of India and other committees.― The provisions of section 42 shall, so 
far as may be, apply in relation to the Bar Council of India, the enrolment committee, the election committee, 
the legal aid committee, or any other committee of a Bar Council as they apply in relation to the disciplinary 
commitee of a Bar Council.

43. Cost of proceedings before a disciplinary committees.― The disciplinary committee of a Bar 
Council may make such order as to the costs of any proceedings before it as it may deem fit and any such 
order shall be executable as if it were an order―
(a) in the case of an order of the disciplinary committee of the Bar Council of India, of the Supreme 
Court; 
(b) in the case of an order of the disciplinary committee of a State Bar Council, of the High Court.

44. Review of orders by disciplinary committee.― The disciplinary committee of a Bar Council may of 
its own motion or otherwise review any order 4
[within sixty days of the date of that order,] passed by it under 
this Chapter: 

1. See now the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act 2 of 1974), ss. 345(1), 346 and 349.
2. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 32 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
3. Ins. by s. 33, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
4. Ins. by s. 34, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
 

Provided that no such order of review of the disciplinary committee of a State Bar Council shall have 
effect unless it has been approved by the Bar Council of India.

CHAPTER VI
MISCELLANEOUS
45. Penalty for persons illegally practising in courts and before other authorities.―Any person who 
practises in any court or before any authority or person, in or before whom he is not entitled to practise under 
the provisions of this Act, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months. 

46. Payment of part of enrolment fees to the Bar Council of India.―Omitted by Act 70 of 1993, s. 8
(w.e.f. 26-12-1993).

46A. Financial assistance to State Bar Council.―The Bar Council of India may, if it is satisfied that 
any State Bar Council is in need of funds for the purpose of performing its functions under this Act, give such 
financial assistance as it deems fit to that Bar Council by way of grant or otherwise.

47. Reciprocity.―(1) Where any country, specified by the Central Government in this behalf by 
notification in the Official Gazette, prevents citizens of India from practising the profession of law or subjects 
them to unfair discrimination in that country, no subject of any such country shall be entitled to practise the 
profession of law in India. 
(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), the Bar Council of India may prescribe the conditions, if 
any, subject to which foreign qualifications in law obtained by persons other than citizens of India shall be 
recognised for the purpose of admission as an advocate under this Act.

48. Indemnity against legal proceedings.―No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against any Bar 
Council or any committee thereof or a member of a Bar Council 2
[or any committee thereof] for any act in 
good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of the provisions of this Act or of any rules made 
thereunder.

48A. Power of revision.―(1) The Bar Council of India may, at any time, call for the record of any 
proceeding under this Act which has been disposed of by a State Bar Council or a committee thereof, and 
from which no appeal lies, for the purpose of satisfying itself as to the legality or propriety of such disposal 
and may pass such orders in relation thereto as it may think fit. 
(2) No order which prejudicially affects any person shall be passed under this section without giving him 
a reasonable opportunity of being heard.

48AA. Review.―The Bar Council of India or any of its committees, other than its disciplinary 
committee, may of its own motion or otherwise review any order, within sixty days of the date of that order, 
passed by it under this Act.

48B. Power to give directions.―(1) For the proper and efficient discharge of the functions of a State Bar 
Council or any committee thereof, the Bar Council of India may, in the exercise of its powers of general 
supervision and control, give such directions to the State Bar Council or any committee thereof as may appear 
to it to be necessary, and the State Bar Council or the committee shall comply with such directions.
(2) Where a State Bar Council is unable to perform its functions for any reason whatsoever, the Bar 
Council of India may, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, give such directions to the 
ex officio member thereof as may appear to it to be necessary, and such directions shall have effect, 
notwithstanding anything contained in the rules made by the State Bar Council.

1. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 35 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
2. Ins. by s. 36, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
3. Ins. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 19 (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
4. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 37 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974). 
 

49. General power of the Bar Council of India to make rules.― 1
[(1)] The Bar Council of India may 
make rules for discharging its functions under this Act, and, in particular, such rules may prescribe—
2
[(a) the conditions subject to which an advocate may be entitled to vote at an election to the State Bar 
Council including the qualifications or disqualifications of voters, and the manner in which an electoral 
roll of voters may be prepared and revised by a State Bar Council; 
(ab) qualifications for membership of a Bar Council and the disqualifications for such membership; 
(ac) the time within which and the manner in which effect may be given to the proviso to sub-section 
(2) of section 3; 
(ad) the manner in which the name of any advocate may be prevented from being entered in more 
than one State roll; 
(ae) the manner in which the seniority among advocates may be determined; 
3
[(af) the minimum qualifications required for admission to a course of degree in law in any 
recognised University;] 
(ag) the class or category of persons entitled to be enrolled as advocates; 
(ah) the conditions subject to which an advocate shall have the right to practise and the circumstances 
under which a person shall be deemed to practise as an advocate in a court;] 
(b) the form in which an application shall be made for the transfer of the name of an advocate from 
one State roll to another; 
(c) the standards of professional conduct and etiquette to be observed by advocates; 
(d) the standards of legal education to be observed by Universities in India and the inspection of 
Universities for that purpose; 
(e) the foreign qualifications in law obtained by persons other than citizens of India which shall be 
recognised for the purpose of admission as an advocate under this Act; 
(f) the procedure to be followed by the disciplinary committee of a State Bar Council and by its own 
disciplinary committee; 
(g) the restrictions in the matter of practice to which senior advocates shall be subject; 
4
[(gg) the form of dresses or robes to be worn by advocates, having regard to the climatic conditions, 
appearing before any court or tribunal;] 
(h) the fees which may be levied in respect of any matter under this Act; 
5
[(i) general principles for guidance of State Bar Councils and the manner in which directions issued 
or orders made by the Bar Council of India may be enforced; 
(j) any other matter which may be prescribed:] 
4
[Provided that no rules made with reference to clause (c) or clause (gg) shall have effect unless they have 
been approved by the Chief Justice of India:

1. Section 49 re-numbered as sub-section (1) of that section by Act 60 of 1973, s. 38 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
2. Subs. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 20, for clause (a) (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
3. Subs. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 38, for clause (af) (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
4. Ins. by s. 38, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
5. Subs. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 20, for clause (i) (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
1

[Provided further that] no rules made with reference to clause (e) shall have effect unless they have been 
approved by the Central Government. 
2
[(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the first proviso to sub-section (1), any rules made with 
reference to clause (c) or clause (gg) of the said sub-section and in force immediately before the 
commencement of the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 1973 (60 of 1973), shall continue in force until altered or 
repealed or amended in accordance with the provisions of this Act.]

49A. Power of Central Government to make rules.―(1) The Central Government may, by 
notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act including rules with 
respect to any matter for which the Bar Council of India or a State Bar Council has power to make rules. 
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide 
for—
(a) qualifications for membership of a Bar Council and disqualifications for such membership; 
(b) the manner in which the Bar Council of India may exercise supervision and control over State Bar 
Councils and the manner in which the directions issued or orders made by the Bar Council of India may 
be enforced; 
(c) the class or category of persons entitled to be enrolled as advocates under this Act; 
(d) the category of persons who may be exempted from undergoing a course of training and passing 
an examination prescribed under clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 24; 
(e) the manner in which seniority among advocates may be determined; 
(f) the procedure to be followed by a disciplinary committee of a Bar Council in hearing cases and the 
procedure to be followed by a disciplinary committee of the Bar Council of India in hearing appeals; 
(g) any other matter which may be prescribed. 
(3) Rules under this section may be made either for the whole of India or for all or any of the Bar 
Councils. 
(4) If any provision of a rule made by a Bar Council is repugnant to any provision of a rule made by the 
Central Government under this section, then, the rule under this section, whether made before or after the rule 
made by the Bar Council, shall prevail and the rule made by the Bar Council shall, to the extent of the 
repugnancy, be void. 
4
[(5) Every rule made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each 
House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one 
session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following 
the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or 
both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified 
form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be 
without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.

50. Repeal of certain enactments.―(1) On the date on which a State Bar Council is constituted under 
this Act, the provisions of sections 3 to 7 (inclusive), sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) of section 9, section 15 and 
section 20 of the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926), shall stand repealed in the territory for which 
the State Bar Council is constituted. 

1. Subs. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 38, for “Provided that” (w.e.f. 31-1-1974).
2. Ins. by s. 38, ibid. (w.e.f. 31-1-1974). 
3. Ins. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 21 (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
4. Subs. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 39, for sub-section (5) (w.e.f. 31-1- 1974)
 

(2) On the date on which Chapter III comes into force, the following shall stand repealed, namely:―
(a) sections 6, 7, 18 and 37 of the Legal Practitioners Act, 1879 (18 of 1879), and so much of sections 
8, 9, 16, 17, 19 and 41 of that Act as relate to the admission and enrolment of legal practitioners; 
(b) sections 3, 4 and 6 of the Bombay Pleaders Act, 1920 (Bombay Act 17 of 1920); 
(c) so much of section 8 of the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926), as relates to the admission 
and enrolment of legal practitioners; 
(d) the provisions of the Letters Patent of any High Court and of any other law in so far as they relate 
to the admission and enrolment of legal practitioners. 
(3) On the date on which Chapter IV comes into force, the following shall stand repealed, namely:―
(a) sections 4, 5, 10 and 20 of the Legal Practitioners Act, 1879 (18 of 1879), and so much of sections 
8, 9, 19 and 41 of that Act as confer on legal practitioners the right to practise in any court or before any 
authority or person; 
(b) sections 5, 7, 8 and 9 of the Bombay Pleaders Act, 1920 (Bombay Act 17 of 1920); 
(c) section 14 of the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926) and, so much of sections 8 and 15 of 
that Act as confer on legal practitioners the right to practise in any court or before any authority or person;
(d) the Supreme Court Advocates (Practice in High Courts) Act, 1951 (18 of 1951); 
(e) the provisions of the Letters Patent of any High Court and of any other law conferring on legal 
practitioners the right to practise in any court or before any authority or person. 
(4) On the date on which Chapter V comes into force, the following shall stand repealed, namely:―
(a) sections 12 to 15 (inclusive), sections 21 to 24 (inclusive) and sections 39 and 40 of the Legal 
Practitioners Act, 1879 (18 of 1879), and so 82 much of sections 16, 17 and 41 of that Act as relate to the 
suspension, removal or dismissal of legal practitioners; 
(b) sections 24 to 27 (inclusive) of the Bombay Pleaders Act, 1920 (Bombay Act 17 of 1920); 
(c) sections 10 to 13 (inclusive) of the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926); 
(d) the provisions of the Letters Patent of any High Court and of any other law in so far as they relate 
to the suspension, removal or dismissal of legal practitioners. 
(5) When the whole of this Act has come into force—
(a) the remaining provisions of the Acts referred to in this section which do not stand repealed by 
virtue of any of the foregoing provisions of this section (except sections 1, 3 and 36 of the Legal 
Practitioners Act, 1879) (18 of 1879) shall stand repealed; 
(b) the enactment specified in the Schedule shall stand repealed to the extent mentioned therein.

51. Rule of construction.―On and from the appointed day, references in any enactment to an advocate 
enrolled by a High Court in any form of words shall be construed as references to an advocate enrolled under 
this Act.

52. Saving.―Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to affect the power of the Supreme Court to make rules 
under article 145 of the Constitution―
(a) for laying down the conditions subject to which a senior advocate shall be entitled to practise in 
that Court;
(b) for determining the persons who shall be entitled to 1 [act or plead] in that Court.

TEMPORARY AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
53. Elections to first State Bar Council.―Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the elected 
members of a State Bar Council, constituted for the first time under this Act, shall be elected by and from 
amongst advocates, vakils, pleaders and attorneys who, on the date of the election, are entitled as of right to 
practise in the High Court and are ordinarily practising within the territory for which the Bar Council is to be 
constituted. 
Explanation.―Where the territory for which the Bar Council is to be constituted includes a Union 
territory, the expression “High Court” shall include the court of the Judicial Commissioner of that Union 
territory. 

54. Term of office of members of first State Bar Councils.―Notwithstanding anything contained in 
this Act, the term of office of the 2
*** elected members of 3
*** a State Bar Council constituted for the first 
time, shall be two years from the date of the first meeting of the Council: 
4
[Provided that such members shall continue to hold office until the State Bar Council is reconstituted in 
accordance with the provisions of this Act

55. Rights of certain existing legal practitioners not affected.―Notwithstanding anything contained in 
this Act.—
(a) every pleader or vakil practising as such immediately before the date on which Chapter IV comes 
into force (hereinafter in this section referred to as the said date) by virtue of the provisions of the Legal 
Practitioners Act, 1879 (18 of 1879), the Bombay Pleaders Act, 1920 (Bombay Act 17 of 1920), or any 
other law who does not elect to be, or is not qualified to be, enrolled as an advocate under this Act; 
5
* * * * * 
6
[(c) every mukhtar practising as such immediately before the said date by virtue of the provisions of 
the Legal Practitioners Act, 1879 (18 of 1879), or any other law, who does not elect to be, or is not 
qualified to be, enrolled as an advocate under this Act; 
(d) every revenue agent practising as such immediately before the said date by virtue of the provisions 
of the Legal Practitioners Act, 1879 (18 of 1879), or any other law;] 
shall, notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of the relevant provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act, 1879 
(18 of 1879), the Bombay Pleaders Act, 1920 (Bombay Act 17 of 1920), or other law, continue to enjoy the 
same rights as respects practice in any court or revenue office or before any authority or person and be subject 
to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the same authority which he enjoyed or, as the case may be, to which he was 
subject immediately before the said date and accordingly the relevant provisions of the Acts or law aforesaid 
shall have effect in relation to such persons as if they had not been repealed. 

56. Dissolution of existing Bar Councils.―(1) On the constitution under this Act of a State Bar Council, 
other than the Bar Council of Delhi (hereinafter referred to as the new Bar Council)—
(a) all properties and assets vesting in the corresponding Bar Council shall vest in the new Bar 
Council; 

1. Subs. by Act 70 of 1993, s. 9, for “act” (w.e.f. 26-12-1993).
2. The words “nominated and” omitted by Act 14 of 1962, s. 3 (w.e.f. 30-3-1962).
3. The words “the Bar Council of India and” omitted by Act 21 of 1964, s. 22 (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
4. Ins. by s. 22, ibid. (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
5. Clause (b) omitted by Act 107 of 1976, s. 10 (w.e.f. 1-1-1977).
6. Subs. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 23, for clause (c) (w.e.f. 16-5-1964)

(b) all rights, liabilities, and obligations of the corresponding Bar Council, whether arising out of any 
contract or otherwise, shall be the rights, liabilities and obligations respectively of the new Bar Council; 
(c) all proceedings pending before the corresponding Bar Council in respect of any disciplinary matter 
or otherwise shall stand transferred to the new Bar Council. 
(2) In this section, “corresponding Bar Council” in relation to a State Bar Council, other than the Bar 
Council of Delhi, means the Bar council for the High Court in the territory for which the State Bar Council is 
constituted under this Act.

57. Power to make rules pending the constitution of a Bar Council.―Until a Bar Council is 
constituted under this Act, the power of that Bar Council to make rules under this Act shall be exercised—
(a) in the case of the Bar Council of India, by the Supreme Court; 
(b) in the case of a State Bar Council, by the High Court.

58. Special provisions during the transitional period.―(1) Where a State Bar Council has not been 
constituted under this Act or where a State Bar Council so constituted is unable to perform its functions by 
reason of any order of a court or otherwise, the functions of that Bar Council or of any committee thereof, in 
so far as they relate to the admission and enrolment of advocates, shall be performed by the High Court in 
accordance with the provisions of this Act. 
(2) Until Chapter IV comes into force, a State Bar Council or a High Court performing the functions of a 
State Bar Council may enrol any person to be an advocate on a State roll, if he is qualified to be so enrolled 
under this Act, notwithstanding that no rules have been made under section 28 or that the rules so made have 
not been approved by the Bar Council of India, and every person so enrolled shall, until that Chapter comes 
into force, be entitled to all the rights of practice conferred on an advocate under section 14 of the Indian Bar 
Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926). 
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, every person who, immediately before the 1st day of 
December, 1961, was an advocate on the roll of any High Court under the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926 
(38 of 1926) or who has been enrolled as an advocate under this Act shall, until Chapter IV comes into force, 
be entitled as of right to practise in the Supreme Court, subject to the rules made by the Supreme Court in this 
behalf. 
(4) Notwithstanding the repeal by sub-section (2) of section 50 of the provisions of the Legal Practitioners 
Act, 1879 (18 of 1879) or of the Bombay Pleaders Act, 1920 (Bombay Act 17 of 1920) 2
[or of any other law 
relating to the admission and enrolment of legal practitioners, the provisions of the Acts and law aforesaid] 
and any rules made thereunder in so far as they relate to 3
[the renewal or the issue by way of renewal] of a 
certificate to a legal practitioner authorising him to practise shall have effect until Chapter IV comes into force 
and, accordingly, every certificate issued or renewed to a legal practitioner (who is not enrolled as an advocate 
under this Act) which is or purports to be issued or renewed under the provisions of either of the aforesaid 
Acts 4
[or of the other law] during the period beginning with the 1st day of December, 1961 and ending with 
the date on which Chapter IV comes into force, shall be deemed to have been validly issued or renewed.

58A. Special provisions with respect to certain advocates.―(1) Notwithstanding anything contained 
in this Act, all advocates who, immediately before the 26th day of July, 1948, were entitled to practise in the 
High Court in Allahabad or the Chief Court in Oudh and who under the provisions of the United Provinces 
High Courts (Amalgamation) Order, 1948 were recognised as advocates entitled to practise in the new High

1. Ins. by Act 14 of 1962, s. 4 (w.e.f. 30-3-1962).
2. Subs. by Act 32 of 1962, s. 3, for certain words (retrospectively).
3. Subs. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 24, for “the issue and renewal” (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
4. Ins. by Act 32 of 1962, s. 3 (w.e.f. 30-3-1962).
5. Ins. by Act 21 of 1964, s. 25 (w.e.f. 16-5-1964).
 

Court of Judicature at Allahabad but whose names were not formally entered on the roll of advocates of that 
High Court merely by reason of the non-payment of the fee payable to the Bar Council of the said High Court, 
and all advocates who were enrolled as such between the said date and the 26th day of May, 1952, shall, for 
the purposes of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 17 be deemed to be persons who were entered as 
advocates on the roll of the said High Court under the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926) and every 
such person may, on an application being made in this behalf, be admitted as an advocate on the State roll of 
Uttar Pradesh. 
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, all advocates who, immediately before the 10th day of 
October, 1952, were entitled to practise in the High Court of Hyderabad but whose names were not formally 
entered on the roll of advocates of that High Court merely by reason of the non-payment of the fee payable to 
the Bar Council of the said High Court shall, for the purposes of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 17, be 
deemed to be persons who were entered as advocates on the roll of the said High Court under the Indian Bar
Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926) and every such person may, on an application being made in this behalf, be 
admitted as an advocate on the State roll of Andhra Pradesh or of Maharashtra. 
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, all advocates who, immediately before the 1st day of 
May, 1960, were entitled to practise in the High Court of Bombay and who applied to get their names entered 
on the roll of advocates of the High Court of Gujarat under the provisions of section 8 of the Indian Bar 
Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926) but whose names were not so entered by reason of the repeal of the said 
provision shall, for the purposes of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 17, be deemed to be persons who 
were entered as advocates on the roll of the High Court of Gujarat under the said Act and every such person 
may, on an application being made in this behalf, be admitted as an advocate on the State roll of Gujarat. 
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, all persons who, immediately before the 1st day of 
December, 1961, were advocates on the roll of the court of Judicial Commissioner in any Union territory 
under any law in force in that territory shall, for the purposes of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 17, be 
deemed to be persons who were entered as advocates on the roll of a High Court under the Indian Bar 
Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926) and every such person may, on an application made in this behalf, be 
admitted as an advocate on the State roll maintained in respect of that Union territory.

58AA. Special provisions in relation to the Union territory of Pondicherry.―(1) Notwithstanding 
anything contained in this Act, all persons who, immediately before the date on which the provisions of 
Chapter III are brought into force in the Union territory of Pondicherry, were entitled to practise the 
profession of law (whether by way of pleading or acting or both) under any law in force in the said Union 
territory or who would have been so entitled had they not been in public service on the said date, shall for the 
purposes of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 17, be deemed to be persons who were entered as 
advocates on the roll of a High Court under the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926), and every such 
person may, on an application made in this behalf within such time as may be specified by the Bar Council of 
Madras, be admitted as an advocate on the State roll maintained in respect of the said Union territory. 
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, every person who, immediately before the date on 
which the provisions of Chapter IV are brought into force in the Union territory of Pondicherry, was 
practising the profession of law (whether by way of pleading or acting or both or in any other way) by virtue 
of the provisions of any law in force in the said Union territory, who does not elect to be or is not qualified to 
be, enrolled as an advocate under sub-section (1), shall, notwithstanding the repeal of the relevant provisions 
of such law by the Pondicherry (Extension of Laws) Act, 1968 (26 of 1968), continue to enjoy the same rights 
as respects practice in any court or revenue office or before any authority or person and be subject to the 
disciplinary jurisdiction of the same authority which he enjoyed, or, as the case may be, to which he was 
subject, immediately before the said date and accordingly the relevant provisions of the law aforesaid shall 
have effect in relation to such persons as if they had not been repealed.

1. Ins. by Act 26 of 1968, s. 3 and Sch. (w.e.f. 24-5-1968)

58AB. Special provisions with respect to certain persons enrolled by Mysore State Bar Council.-
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any judgment, decree or order of any court or any 
resolution passed or direction given by the Bar Council of India, every person who was admitted as an 
advocate on the State roll by the State Bar Council of Mysore during the period beginning with the 28th day 
of February, 1963, and ending on the 31st day of March, 1964, on the basis of his having obtained a certificate 
of pleadership from the High Court of Mysore, shall, save as otherwise provided, be deemed to have been 
validly admitted as an advocate on that State roll and accordingly entitled to practise the profession of law 
(whether by way of pleading or acting or both): 
Provided that where any such person has elected to be enrolled as an advocate on the roll of any other 
State Bar Council, his name shall be deemed to have been struck off the roll of the State Bar Council of 
Mysore from the date he was enrolled by the other State Bar Council: 
Provided further that the seniority of such person, whether his name is borne on the State roll of the State 
Bar Council of Mysore, or on the State roll of any other Bar Council, shall, for the purposes of clause (d) of 
sub-section (3) of section 17, be determined by reckoning the 16th day of May, 1964, as the date of 
admission.

58AC. Special provisions with respect to certain persons enrolled by Uttar Pradesh State Bar 
Council.―Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any judgment, decree or order of any court, 
every person who was enrolled as an advocate by the High Court during the period beginning with the 
2nd day of January, 1962 and ending on the 25th day of May, 1962 and was subsequently admitted as an 
advocate on the State roll by the State Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh shall be deemed to have been validly 
admitted as an advocate on that State roll from the date of his enrolment by the High Court and accordingly 
entitled to practise the profession of law (whether by way of pleading or acting or both).

58AD. Special provisions with respect to certain persons migrating to India.―Notwithstanding the 
repeal by this Act of the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act, 1879 (18 of 1879), or of any other law 
relating to the admission and enrolment of legal practitioners (hereafter in this section referred to as such Act 
or law), every person who migrates to the territory of India from any area which, before the 15th day of 
August, 1947, was comprised within India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935, and who has, 
before such migration, been a pleader, mukhtar or revenue agent in any such area under any law in force 
therein, may be admitted and enrolled under the relevant provisions of such Act or law as a pleader, mukhtar 
or, as the case may be, revenue agent, if he―
(a) makes an application for the purpose to the appropriate authority under such Act or law; and 
(b) is a citizen of India and fulfils other conditions, if any, specified in this behalf by the appropriate 
authority aforesaid, 
and notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of the relevant provisions of such Act or law, every pleader, 
mukhtar or revenue agent so enrolled shall have the same rights as respects practice in any court or revenue 
office or before any other authority or person and be subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the same 
authority to which he would be subject under the relevant provisions of such Act or law as if they had not 
been repealed and accordingly, those provisions shall have effect in relation to such persons.

58AE. Special provisions in relation to the Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu.―(1) 
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, all persons who, immediately before the date on which the 
provisions of Chapter III are brought into force in the Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu, were entitled to 
practise the profession of law (whether by way of pleading or acting or both) under any law in force in the 
said Union territory or who would have been so entitled had they not been in public service on the said date, 

1. Ins. by Act 33 of 1968, s. 3 (w.e.f. 5-6-1968).
2. Ins. by Act 60 of 1973, s. 40 (w.e.f. 31-1-1974)

shall, for the purpose of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 17, be deemed to be persons who were entered 
as advocates on the roll of a High Court under the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926), and every such 
person may, on an application made in this behalf within such time as may be specified by the Bar Council of 
Maharashtra, be admitted as an advocate on the State roll maintained in respect of the said Union territory: 
Provided that the provisions of this sub-section shall not apply to any person who, on the date of the 
application aforesaid, was not a citizen of India. 
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, every person who, immediately before the date on 
which the provisions of Chapter IV are brought into force in the Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu, was 
practising the profession of law (whether by way of pleading or acting or both or in any other way) by virtue 
of the provisions of any law in force in the said Union territory, or who does not elect to be or is not qualified 
to be enrolled as an advocate under sub-section (1), shall, notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of the 
relevant provisions of such law, continue to enjoy the same rights as respects practice in any court or revenue 
office or before any other authority or person and be subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the same 
authority which he enjoyed, or, as the case may be, to which he was subject, immediately before the said date 
and accordingly the relevant provisions of the law aforesaid shall have effect in relation to such persons as if 
they had not been repealed. 
(3) On the date on which this Act or any part thereof comes into force in the Union territory of Goa, 
Daman and Diu, the law in force in that Union territory which corresponds to this Act or such part and which 
does not stand repealed by virtue of the provisions of section 50 of this Act, shall also stand repealed.

58AF. Special provisions in relation to Jammu and Kashmir.―Omitted by the Jammu and Kashmir 
Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, vide notification No. S.O. 1123(E), dated (18-3-
2020) and Vide Union Territory of Ladakh Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, 
notification No. S.O. 3774(E), dated (23-10-2020)

58AG. Special provisions in relation to articled clerks.―Notwithstanding anything contained in this 
Act, every person who, immediately before the 31st day of December, 1976, has commenced his articleship 
and passed the Preliminary examination, for the purpose of enrolment as an attorney of the High Court at 
Calcutta in accordance with the rules made under sub-section (2) of section 34, before the omission of that 
sub-section by the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 1976 (107 of 1976), be admitted as an advocate on the State 
roll if he―
(i) passes, on or before the 31st day of December, 1980,―
(a) the Final examination in a case where such person has, before the 31st day of December, 
1976, passed the Intermediate examination, 
(b) the Intermediate and the Final examinations in any other case. 
Explanation.―For the purpose of this clause, the High Court at Calcutta may prescribe such rules as 
may be necessary under sub-section (2) of section 34, specifying the nature of the examinations and any 
other matter relating thereto; 
(ii) makes an application for such enrolment in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and 
(iii) fulfils the conditions specified in clauses (a), (b), (e) and (f) of sub-section (1) of section 24.

58B. Special provision relating to certain disciplinary proceedings.―(1) As from the 1st day of 
September, 1963, every proceeding in respect of any disciplinary matter in relation to an existing advocate of 
a High Court shall, save as provided in the first proviso to sub-section (2), be disposed of by the State Bar 
Council in relation to that High Court, as if the existing advocate had been enrolled as an advocate on its roll. 
(2) If immediately before the said date, there is any proceeding in respect of any disciplinary matter in 
relation to an existing advocate pending before any High Court under the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926

1. Ins. by Act 38 of 1977, s. 7 (w.e.f. 31-10-1977)

(38 of 1926), such proceeding shall stand transferred to the State Bar Council in relation to that High Court, as 
if it were a proceeding pending before the corresponding Bar Council under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of 
section 56:
Provided that where in respect of any such proceeding the High Court has received the finding of a 
Tribunal constituted under section 11 of the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926), the High Court shall 
dispose of the case and it shall be lawful for the High Court to exercise for the purpose all powers conferred 
on it under section 12 of the said Act as if that section had not been repealed: 
Provided further that where the High Court has referred back any case for further inquiry under subsection (4) of section 12 of the said Act, the proceeding shall stand transferred to the State Bar Council in 
relation to the High Court as if it were a proceeding pending before the corresponding Bar Council under 
clause (c) of sub- section (1) of section 56. 
(3) If immediately before the said date there is any proceeding in respect of any disciplinary matter 
pending in relation to any pleader, vakil, mukhtar or attorney, who has been enrolled as an advocate on any 
State roll under the Act, such proceeding shall stand transferred to the State Bar Council on the roll of which 
he has been enrolled and be dealt with under this Act as if it were a proceeding arising against him thereunder. 
(4) In this section “existing advocate” means a person who was enrolled as an advocate on the roll of any 
High Court under the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926 (38 of 1926) and who, at the time when any proceeding 
in respect of any disciplinary matter is initiated against him, is not enrolled as an advocate on a State roll 
under this Act. 
(5) The provisions of this section shall have effect, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act.]

59. Removal of difficulties.―(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, 
particularly in relation to the transition from the enactments repealed by this Act to the provisions of this Act, 
the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions not 
inconsistent with the purposes of this Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for removing the 
difficulty. 
(2) An order under sub-section (1) may be made so as to have retrospective effect from a date not earlier 
than the 1st day of December, 1961.

60. Power of Central Government to make rules.―(1) Until rules in respect of any matter under this 
Act are made by a State Bar Council and approved by the Bar Council of India, the power to make rules in 
respect of that matter shall be exercisable by the Central Government. 
(2) The Central Government after consultation with the Bar Council of India may, by notification in the 
Official Gazette, make rules under sub-section (1) either for any State Bar Council or generally for all 
State Bar Councils and the rules so made shall have effect, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act. 
(3) Where in respect of any matter any rules are made by the Central Government under this section for 
any State Bar Council, and in respect of the same matter, rules are made by the State Bar Council and 
approved by the Bar Council of India, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, 
direct that the rules made by it in respect of such matter shall cease to be in force in relation to that Bar 
Council with effect from such date as may be specified in the notification and on the issue of such 
notification, the rules made by the Central Government shall, accordingly, cease to be in force except as 
respects things done or omitted to be done before the said date.

1. Ins. by Act 32 of 1962, s. 4 (w.e.f. 14-9-1962).