The Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) has implemented a digital verification form aimed at enhancing the efficiency of verifying lawyers' certificates of practice through online channels.

According to a recent notification from the BCD, advocates registered from January 1, 1990, onwards must complete the digital verification form, known as FORM-A, as mandated. The notice further specifies that advocates who enrolled before January 1, 1990, are exempt from filling out Form-A and are instead required to complete a declaration form, as Form-A does not apply to them.

The BCD has provided clarification stating that Advocates-on-Record of the Supreme Court and designated Senior Advocates are exempt from completing FORM A, aligning with Rule 5(a) outlined in a notification dated January 12, 2015.

Under Rule 5 of the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015, advocates are mandated to possess a valid certificate of practice to engage in legal practice. This certification requires verification every five years to maintain entitlement to practice law. 

The decision to transition the verification process online coincides with the imminent general elections at the BCD. In its notice, the BCD emphasized the compulsory nature of submitting verification forms for all advocates. These forms will serve as the foundation for compiling the electoral rolls essential for conducting the upcoming elections.

As per the notice, access to the digital verification forms via online links has been facilitated starting from November 22 onwards. Advocates can now utilize these links to complete their verification process as mandated.

Click here to Read the Offical Notice