News: The Supreme Court restricted the continuation of the BCI Chairman to a pro tem (temporary) role until a newly constituted BCI elects its office-bearers.

Bar Council of India (BCI)

• Statutory body under the Advocates Act, 1961.
• Regulates legal profession, legal education and professional discipline.
• Not a constitutional body.

Key SC Directions

• Chairman cannot convert a temporary continuation into a full five-year tenure.
• AG and SG must participate in major BCI policy decisions during the interim period.
• Ensures accountability, transparency and institutional integrity.

NALSAR Issue

• BCI’s temporary restriction on enrolment of NALSAR graduates was later withdrawn.
• SC stressed students’ right to express views.

Significance

• Prevents concentration of power.
• Reinforces limited tenure, democratic accountability and institutional checks.