Today, the Bar Council of India declared the results of the ’18th Bar Council of India Qualifying Examination for Indian Nationals Holding Foreign Law Degrees hours before the Supreme Court agreed to hear a Writ Petition challenging the non-declaration of the result despite a five-month lapse.

Following an urgent request from Advocate Yajur Bhalla, the Vacation Bench of Justice Aniruddha Bose and Justice Rajesh Bindal agreed to list the Writ Petition seeking direction to the Bar Council of India to declare the result on June 9, 2023.

The Court was told that the candidates would be unable to take the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). According to the writ petition, the BCI’s delay harmed the rights of more than 75 candidates to practise as Advocates.

Petitioner Anchita Nayyar stated in the Writ Petition filed through Advocate-on-Record Shubham Bhalla that the said exams were held at the BCI office from December 19 to December 24, 2022. However, even after more than five months, the results of more than 75 candidates, including the petitioner, had not been announced.

“Petitioner has filed this petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India for the issuance of a “Writ of Mandamus” commanding the respondent to declare the result of the 18th INHFLD exam”, read the plea.

Nayyar also stated that the BCI personally assured them that the results would be released within a week, but this has yet to be done. According to the Petitioner, despite numerous attempts, including phone calls, emails, and physical visits, the BCI failed to provide assistance or respond to the Petitioner’s concerns.