BCI meets Sibal, threatens nation-wide stir on HER Bill

The BCI has been opposing the HER Bill aimed at regulating the legal education system, saying it is an attempt to take away the powers of the apex lawyers' body.

At a two-hour meeting with the minister, an 11-member delegation of BCI made its stand clear that if the legal education and the Advocates Act are not removed from the purview of the HER Bill, a nation-wide agitation will be held on June 11 and 12, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra told PTI.

While Sibal assured the lawyers' apex body that their powers will not be taken away by the proposed legislation, BCI has sought the assurance in writing, Mishra said.

BCI is currently responsible for laying down the norms and setting the standards of legal education in the country and it has established a Legal Education Committee for the same.

The HER Bill seeks to set up a National Commission for Higher Education which would replace the Legal Education Committee.

Sibal has suggested to BCI to present its proposed amendments to the HER Bill before the government by June 4.