SC issues notice challenging constitutional validity of AIBE

In a significant development, the Supreme Court today issued notice in the petition challenging the Constitutional validity of the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) and posted the matter before a three-judge Bench.

Justice T.S. Thakur observed that it is time to reform the profession, adding that there is need to have a system where everyone in black coat can't become a lawyer.

The apex court observed that when non-meritorious people enter the profession, then malpractices occur.

The petition, which was filed in 2013, had come up for hearing yesterday when the court had enquired about the rationale behind the exam and whether it would negate the right to practice law.

The Bar Council of India (BCI) today submitted that a decision of the Supreme Court had barred a pre-enrollment exam and hence, a post-enrollment exam was being held.

The Bench, after a small deliberation, issued notice while posting the matter before a three-judge Bench for March 11.

It also said that it might consider appointing an Amicus Curiae to assist the court.