Consider the following statements regarding the Bar Council of India (BCI):

1. The Bar Council of India (BCI) was established by Parliament under the Advocates Act, 1961.

2. One of the key functions of the BCI is to promote legal education and set standards for legal education in consultation with universities and State Bar Councils.

3. The Bar Council of India consists of members elected from each State Bar Council, the Attorney General of India, and the Solicitor General of India, who is an ex-officio member.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is option 4.

In News

• The Bar Council of India (BCI) has raised concerns over the spread of misinformation by self-styled legal influencers on social media, warning against unethical legal advertising and misleading legal content. It also reaffirmed its role in regulating the legal profession and legal education in India.

Key Points

• The Bar Council of India (BCI) was established by Parliament under the Advocates Act, 1961, making it a statutory body responsible for regulating the legal profession and education. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• One of the key functions of the BCI is to promote legal education and set minimum standards for legal education. It does so in consultation with universities and State Bar Councils. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
• The Bar Council of India consists of members elected from each State Bar Council, along with the Attorney General of India and the Solicitor General of India, who is an ex-officio member. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Additional Information

• Regulatory Role of BCI:
  • Prescribes standards of professional conduct and etiquette for advocates.
  • Exercises disciplinary jurisdiction over the legal profession.
  • Recognizes universities whose law degrees qualify for advocate enrollment.
• Recent Concerns Raised by BCI:
  • Rise in misinformation spread by unqualified legal influencers on taxation, privacy laws, citizenship laws, and intellectual property rights.
  • Warning against unethical legal advertising, including Bollywood celebrities and digital promotions.
  • BCI Rules (Rule 36, Chapter II, Part VI) prohibit legal advertising and promotional activities.