The Kerala High Court has directed the Bar Council of Kerala to update and publish its list of advocates who have not qualified the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) from 2021 onwards. The direction was issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. on September 23, 2026.
The direction followed consideration of an affidavit filed by the Bar Council of Kerala regarding steps taken pursuant to the Court’s earlier order dated August 19, 2026. The Court noted that similar instances could arise in the future and therefore required the list to be updated for cases occurring after 2021 as well.
The Bench directed the Bar Council to complete the exercise within eight weeks and continue reviewing whether there were any defaults in qualifying the AIBE.
"However, having regard to the ramifications that may arise if similar instances occur in future, and also in respect of instances occurring after 2021, the Bar Council of Kerala shall update the list of such Advocates from 2021 onwards within eight weeks from date and shall continue to review whether there are any defaults in qualifying the All India Bar Examination."
The Court also clarified that advocates who have qualified the examination in the meantime would remain entitled to apply for a Certificate of Practice. The updated list is also to be published by the Bar Council.
"Upon receiving intimation from the Bar Council of Kerala, the Registrar (District Judiciary) shall intimate the learned District Judges, who shall act accordingly."
