Delhi High Court Stays BCI's Decision Removing AAP's Legal-Chief Sanjeev Nasiar As BCD Vice Chairman

The Delhi High Court has stayed the decision of Bar Council of India (BCI) removing Advocate Sanjeev Nasiar from the post of Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) Vice Chairman, pending completion of an inquiry into authenticity of his law degree.

Justice Sanjeev Narula passed the order on a plea filed by Nasiar challenging BCI's resolution passed on December 7 and listed the matter for hearing next on January 21, 2025.

Nasiar holds a law degree from Devi Ahilya Bai Vishwavidyalaya, Indore. He is also the President of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legal cell.

BCI in its resolution said that the sub-committee constituted by it, after a thorough enquiry, concluded that the authenticity of the LLB (Hons) degree of Sanjeev Nasiar was “highly questionable.”

It added that the general council of lawyers' body resolved to adopt the committee's report and the BCI secretary was directed to approach the CBI, requesting it to probe the degree's authenticity.

“Pending the outcome of the investigation, Sanjeev Nasiar is removed from the position of vice chairman, Bar Council of Delhi (BCD),” it added further.

Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa appeared for Nasiar. Senior Advocate Kirtiman Singh and Advocate T Singhdev represented BCI.

The BCI's press released stated that the decision to remove Nasiar was necessary to safeguard the integrity and dignity of the legal profession and ensure public confidence in it.

“The BCI is conscientious to uphold the prestige and honour of the legal profession and remains resolute in its resolve to uphold its sanctity to ensure that only those meeting the highest standards of ethics and qualifications are permitted to practice law in India," it said.