Supreme Court takes up suo motu case to strengthen Bar bodies

The Supreme Court of India has directed the formulation of terms of reference to evolve a mechanism to bring in transparency and accountability in the structure, governance and functioning of Bar Associations across the country.

A Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma has asked advocate Vipin Nair, nodal counsel in the suo motu reference titled ‘Re: Strengthening and Enhancing the Institutional Strength of Bar Associations’, to distribute suggested terms of reference to the Registrar Generals of State High Courts for further circulations among Bar Associations. Senior advocate K. Parameshwar is the amicus curiae in the case.

​Truth and transparency: On the judiciary

The court said it would consider the suggestions received from Bar bodies across the country, and finalise the terms of reference for adjudication and issuance of appropriate directions.

The court listed the case after eight weeks.

The apex court had suo motu registered the case as a part of an important institutional exercise to improve the standards of advocacy and legal administration, which may eventually reflect on the pool of lawyers which would be in the zone of consideration for the Bench in constitutional courts.