DEGREE NOT ENOUGH, GOVT FOR `TEST' TO PRACTISE LAW

A law degree may not be enough for aspiring lawyers to don the black robe soon. The government proposes to make it mandatory for law graduates to clear an entry-level exam to get a licence to practice.

The Law Ministry has initiated a dialogue on the issue with the Bar Council of India (BCI), the regulator for the legal profession, following the Union cabinet's in-principle approval of its proposal earlier this month.

"The Advocates Act, 1961, may need to be re-visited in consultation with the senior members of the Bar to consider reintroduction of mandatory apprenticeship and introduction of a qualifying exam for advocates before admission to the bar," says the proposal approved by the cabinet.

At present, just a law degree from a recognised university or a law institute is needed to register as a lawyer.

The licences are granted by the state bar councils affiliated to the BCI. There are more than a million lawyers registered with the BCI.

Law Minister M.Veerappa Moily said he wanted "holistic legal reforms", but was not willing to discuss any specific proposal.

The BCI is yet to take a final view.

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Comments

16 years ago santhosh

even without the test a lawyer always tested by the litigants, those who are having the staff only geting the cases( exeption to those who are aided by touts)

16 years ago Ria

This is a very good move, but care should be taken that these exams are not based on the lines of Read, by heart, reproduce and then forget it kind of exams. They should actually test the real knowledge of lawyers with regard to law and the legal system.

16 years ago R.K.SUNDERRAJ

Good and welcome decision, In Karnataka, The Vice Chancellor of Karnataka Law university is practically bringing up many changes and reformation in the Legal field.

16 years ago MRKGANDHI

The decision is a welcome and a step in right direction. A system of annual test should be introduced by the Bar Council (exam committee) with no compromises. Even to the existng Advocates some kind of knowledge test are necessary before they are to be designated and continued as Seniors. Overhauling of legal profession is very important and this concept should be extended to sitting judges of subordinate courts. Entire legal system should be revisited.

16 years ago N.K.Assumi

Reforms in the profession is badly required.

16 years ago vikas mishra

It is good most of the country of the world have bar exam to be cleared before registering with the bar council, even law educations standard needs to be improved

16 years ago Gundlapallis

Instead of making the reform at Bar entry level it should be at qualifying exam level itself. The exam standards are very low. Compare and reform the exam standards on par with CA or ICWA only the best will turnout for enrolment.