Moily rules out scrapping Bar Council of India

Talking to reporters after attending an international conference on trade law, he said: “I have no objection to Sibal’s proposal to start a course of BA (Law). But so far as setting professional standards are concerned, it is the Law Ministry which has to consider it.’’

He indirectly opposed the suggestion of HRD Minister Kapil Sibal to scrap the Bar Council of India. The Law Minister  said, “it’s good that a discussion has been initiated on the issue. But it is my ministry which would have to take a decision.’’

Proposal welcomed

Moily welcomed the proposal of Sibal to introduce a course on law in secondary and higher secondary level and in graduation. Sibal had recently claimed that the BCI, the apex regulatory body of legal profession, has not been able to bring in necessary reforms as it was not equipped with adequate expertise and infrastructure and had proposed of having a super regulatory body.

“There are some vested interests who do not want the reforms. I hope the members of the bar (advocates) here will support me in the stand,” he had remarked.  He had said his ministry was determined to bring about radical changes in the field despite opposition. Sibal said his ministry was exploring the possibility of introducing law as a subject at the undergraduate level to enable a large number of persons to gain legal knowledge.