Parliament Question: National Digital Registry for Legal Profession

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2194 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 31st JULY, 2026 NATIONAL DIGITAL REGISTRY FOR LEGAL PROFESSION †2194. SHRI CHANDAN CHAUHAN: Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has conducted any study or review regarding the necessity and feasibility of a National Digital Registry for advocates in the country and a unique digital identity for each advocate; (b) whether cases of persons practicing law on the basis of fake advocates or fake law degrees have come to the notice of the Government or the Bar Council of India and whether any study has been conducted regarding the extent of this problem, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (c) whether the Government is of the view that a National Digital Registry and real-time verification system will help in effectively curbing fake advocates and protecting the interests of common citizens; (d) whether the Government is holding consultations with the Bar Council of India, State Bar Councils and other relevant institutions in this regard; and (e) if so, the details, the action plan and timeline thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL) (a) to (e): The Bar Council of India (BCI) has, from time to time, been considering matters relating to a National Digital Registry for advocates and a unique digital identity for advocates in the country, including issues concerning maintenance of professional records, verification of law degrees and enrolment particulars and interoperability among the concerned authorities. Instances and complaints relating to invalid enrolment particulars and law degrees have, from time to time, been brought to the notice of the Bar Councils. The BCI has notified the Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015, and is undertaking consultations 1with the State Bar Councils, Universities, Examination Boards and other concerned stakeholders and examining the technical and administrative aspects relating to online enrolment, verification and integration of professional records in accordance with the applicable statutory and administrative requirements. ***** 2