In a significant move to cleanse the legal profession, the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh has informed the Allahabad High Court that it has decided to suspend the licences of advocates who are officially listed as history-sheeters or gangsters in police records. This unanimous decision marks a firm stance against criminal elements within the lawyer community.
High Court Hearing Reveals Disciplinary Crackdown
The council's submission was made before a bench of Justice Vinod Diwakar during a hearing on a petition filed by advocate Mohammad Kafeel. Kafeel, who faces charges under the stringent UP Gangsters Act, forgery, extortion, and criminal conspiracy, had challenged an order from an Etawah additional sessions judge. The court was informed that the Bar Council had already taken suo motu cognizance against 98 advocates, with proceedings against 23 advocates currently pending before its disciplinary committee.
During the proceedings, the state counsel highlighted Kafeel's own criminal antecedents, countering his allegations of assault by a police constable near a railway station on November 26, 2025. The court had earlier, in an order dated December 18, sought statewide data on criminal cases pending against advocates enrolled with the council.
Council Resolution and Court Directives
Ashok Kumar Tiwari, counsel for the Bar Council, placed on record a resolution detailing the unanimous decision. The court has granted the council additional time to produce a pen drive containing details of all advocates who have been issued certificates of practice for cross-referencing purposes.
Furthermore, the court took on record a compliance affidavit from the state government, which included a district-wise list of cases against lawyers. This step ensures coordinated action between the judiciary, the bar council, and law enforcement agencies.
Implications for Legal Profession in Uttar Pradesh
This decisive action by the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh, under the scrutiny of the Allahabad High Court, signals a major effort to uphold the integrity of the legal system. The move to suspend the practising licences of those with serious criminal records aims to protect the sanctity of the profession and public trust in the judiciary. The ongoing proceedings against the 98 identified advocates will be closely watched as a benchmark for ethical enforcement within the legal community of India's most populous state.
