1157 lawyers in Kerala unfit to practice; preliminary list released

KOCHI: 1,157 lawyers in Kerala are in the shadow of disqualification. The reason is that they did not pass the All India Bar Examination conducted by the Bar Council of India. The Bar Council of Kerala has sent a letter to the bar associations informing them that there is a provision to bar them from practising in courts. The letter was sent on the 13th along with the names of those facing disqualification. These are those who were enrolled from July 2010 to December 2021. Notices have also been given to those on the list. As per the agreement with the Bar Council of India, they will get one more chance to write the examination. Those who have objections should give an explanation within a month. Till then, they can practice.

The rule that those who enroll as lawyers should pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) if they want to practice in courts was introduced in 2010. They should pass the examination within two years. Until then, they can practice. If they do not pass once, they will be given another chance. The exam is conducted once in six months at 50 centres across the country. The results were finally announced last March. 19 exams have been held since the rules came into force.

All India Bar Examination

The aim is to ensure quality in the legal profession. 100 multiple choice questions on 19 subjects, including Constitution, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Family Law, and Evidence Law. 100 marks. Lawyers can write the exam with their books open. If they pass, they will be awarded a certificate from the Bar Council of India. Not applicable to those who enrolled before 2010.

Those who do not pass the exam even after two years can be banned from practising. However, there is no such action at this stage. Another chance will be given.

- Adv. T.S.Ajith, Chairman,

Bar Council of Kerala