Advocates Act, 1961
In one line: The Advocates Act, 1961 created a single, all-India Bar with State Bar Councils below and the Bar Council of India above.
What it does
The Act brings all advocates under one law. State Bar Councils are set up under Section 3 and the Bar Council of India under Section 4. Every Bar Council is a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal (Section 5). Section 7 lists the BCI's functions: laying down standards of professional conduct and etiquette, promoting legal education and recognising degrees in law, and exercising supervision over State Bar Councils.
Composition of the BCI
Under Section 4, the BCI has the Attorney General of India and the Solicitor General of India as ex officio members, plus one member elected by each State Bar Council from among its own members. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elected by the Council.
Why it is in the news
The Supreme Court has used the two ex officio members as a check on BCI policy decisions while the Chairman's extended tenure is under challenge.
Where to go next
- State Bar Councils
- Attorney General of India
Advocates Act, 1961 in the news
- Supreme Court: Bar Councils have no power to discipline law students 4 September 2026
The law that creates the Bar Councils and draws the line at enrolment
- Supreme Court ties Bar Council of India's policy decisions to the AG and SG 3 September 2026
The statute that builds the two-tier Bar and defines the BCI.
Previous-year questions on this
- 2023 · GS2 · 10 marks "Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy". Comment.
- 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marks To achieve the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in the recent past.
- 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marks What do you understand by the concept "freedom of speech and expression"? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of…