The Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) has implemented a digital verification form to enhance the efficiency of the online certification verification process for lawyers. According to a recent notice by the BCD, advocates enrolled from January 1, 1990, onwards are mandated to complete the digital verification form, known as FORM-A.
For advocates enrolled before January 1, 1990, the notice specifies that they are only required to fill out a declaration form, as FORM-A does not apply to them.
The BCD has explicitly stated that Advocates-on-Record of the Supreme Court and designated Senior Advocates are exempt from filling out FORM-A, in alignment with Rule 5(a) of a January 12, 2015 notification. Instead, they are directed to complete a distinct form, namely “FORM-E,” as outlined in the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015.
According to Rule 5 of the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015, advocates must possess a valid certificate of practice to engage in legal practice, subject to verification every five years.
The decision to transition this verification process to an online platform coincides with the approaching general elections for the BCD. The notice emphasizes the mandatory submission of verification forms by all advocates, serving as the foundational data for compiling electoral rolls for the upcoming elections.
Online access to the digital verification forms has been available since November 22, according to the notice issued by the BCD.
