The Delhi High Court has expressed its disapproval of the Bar Council of Delhi's (BCD) recent notification, which mandates the submission of Aadhaar and Voter Identity Cards with Delhi-NCR addresses for enrolment with the BCD. The court has called for the immediate nullification of this notification, stating that it is unjust and restricts individuals who are not residents of Delhi from seeking enrolment.
During the proceedings, Justice Subramonium Prasad questioned the BCD based on its decision to exclude non-Delhi residents from enrolling with the council. The court emphasized that the BCD membership should not be limited solely to Delhi residents and expressed its concern for individuals from outside Delhi who come to the capital to practice law and support themselves.
The court acknowledged that Delhi is a favourable place for pursuing a career in law, attracting people from various locations. Justice Prasad highlighted the predicament faced by those living outside Delhi who aspire to practice law in the capital.
Advocate Shannu Baghel filed a plea challenging the BCD's notification, arguing that it is discriminatory as it prohibits individuals from outside Delhi-NCR from enrolling and practising law in Delhi. The court has scheduled Baghel's plea for further hearing in August, along with other cases challenging the same notification.
The BCD issued a circular in April 2023, stating that aspiring law graduates seeking enrolment in Delhi must submit copies of their Aadhaar and Voter ID cards with Delhi/NCR addresses. The circular emphasized that no enrolments would be allowed without these documents, deviating from the previous requirement of a self-attested copy of a rent agreement as proof of address for enrolment.
The Delhi High Court's criticism of the notification reflects concerns about potential discrimination and the exclusion of non-Delhi residents from pursuing a legal career in the capital.
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