On Friday, the Supreme Court expressed deep concern about the growing number of advocates allegedly practising with questionable law degrees, with Chief Justice Surya Kant remarking that the matter may require intervention by the Central Bureau of Investigation. What began as a hearing on delays in implementing the framework for Senior Advocate designations soon evolved into a broader discussion of professional ethics, the authenticity of legal qualifications, and declining standards within the legal profession.
The issue came up during the hearing of a contempt plea alleging delay by the Delhi High Court in enforcing the Supreme Court’s guidelines governing Senior Advocate designations. The Bench also took serious note of the language allegedly used by Petitioner, Advocate Sanjay Dubey, on social media. The Court questioned whether the race for the Senior Advocate designation was becoming more about prestige than meaningful contribution to the justice delivery system. Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that such a designation could not be reduced to a mere status symbol detached from professional responsibility and discipline.
The Bench observed, “Thousands of fraudulent people wearing black robes with serious doubts about their degrees. CBI needs to do something.” The Chief Justice also warned the petitioner about maintaining the standards of conduct expected from members of the Bar, remarking, “I will show you what is the meaning of discipline in the profession.”
Lastly, following the Court’s observations, the Petitioner chose to withdraw the plea.
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