Court directed BCI to extend enrolment time limit due to delay caused solely by State Bar Council post AIBE results.

The petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition seeking a direction to the first respondent, Bar Council of India, to forthwith extend the time limit for the petitioner’s enrolment with the second respondent, Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, notwithstanding the expiry of the prescribed six-month period from the date of publication of the All India Bar Examination results on 21.03.2025. The petitioner further seeks a direction to the second respondent to process his enrolment application (Application No. PR/2024/36764 dated 25.10.2024) in accordance with Section 24 of the Advocates Act, 1961, within a reasonable time.

2. We have heard the submissions made on either side and perused the materials available on record.

3. The grievance of the petitioner is that he completed his LL.B. degree in the year 2024 and submitted an application for enrolment with the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on 25.10.2024. During the pendency of his application, he appeared for the All India Bar Examination. The results were published on 21.03.2025, and he was declared to have passed, subject to the condition that he complete his enrolment with the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry within six months from the date of declaration of the results. Although the results were declared in 2025, the petitioner has not yet been enrolled, and the delay has been caused by the second respondent.

4. The learned Standing Counsel appearing for the second respondent submitted that the petitioner’s certificates have now been verified and found to be genuine.

5. The learned Standing Counsel appearing for the first respondent submitted that the delay has been caused by the second respondent and that the power to grant exemption or extension of time for enrolment lies with the first respondent.

6. In view of the above, the first respondent is directed to issue appropriate communication to the second respondent extending the time for enrolment in this special case, as the delay is attributable solely to the second respondent. Such exercise shall be completed within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Thereafter, the second respondent shall complete the enrolment of the petitioner within a further period of one month.

7. Accordingly, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.