The Kerala High Court has directed the Bar Council of Kerala to publish the names of 1,157 advocates who, according to the material placed before the Court, had enrolled between July 2010 and December 2021 but had not cleared the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) or obtained a valid Certificate of Practice (CoP).
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. passed the interim order on August 19, 2026, in a public interest litigation concerning compliance with rules governing legal practice.
Background of the Case
The PIL was filed by Amarnath Joshi Surendiran, who appeared in person. The petition raised concerns over advocates allegedly appearing before courts without completing the requirements for obtaining a valid CoP.
The Bar Council had earlier provided a list of 1,157 advocates who had not cleared the AIBE or obtained a CoP. The petitioner then approached the High Court seeking action under the Advocates Act and the relevant verification rules.
During the hearing, the Court noted that an ad-hoc committee of the Bar Council was functioning and directed it to examine the status of the advocates on the list.
Court's Directions
The Bench directed the ad-hoc committee to publish the list on the websites of the Bar Council of Kerala and the Kerala High Court and take follow-up action under the applicable rules.
The Court further directed that courts should not register matters in which any of the 1,157 advocates file vakalatnama. If a vakalatnama has already been filed, the concerned Registry must make an appropriate endorsement in the case file.
The Registrar (District Judiciary) was also directed to communicate the list to all District Judges for information and compliance.
The Court, however, clarified that names should be removed from the list if the concerned advocate has subsequently obtained a valid CoP and produces an authenticated copy.
Decision
The High Court directed the ad-hoc committee to file an affidavit regarding the status of the advocates and verify whether they had applied for or obtained Certificates of Practice.
The matter was posted after four weeks for further consideration.
Case Details
Case Title: Amarnath Joshi Surendiran v. Secretary, Bar Council of Kerala & Ors.
Case Number: WP(PIL) No. 147 of 2026
Judge: Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M.
Decision Date: August 19, 2026
