Odisha Bar Council Orders Non-Practising Lawyers to Surrender Licences

Cuttack: The Odisha State Bar Council has issued a stern directive asking lawyers engaged in activities other than practising law to surrender their licences within a month or face disciplinary action.

In a statement, the council noted that several advocates, despite holding valid licences, are working in private companies, government organisations, or running businesses, which amounts to a violation of the Advocates Act, 1961.

Acting on these concerns, the council passed a resolution on April 12, deciding to act against non-practising lawyers. It has asked all bar associations in the state to identify such individuals and ensure compliance.

“If lawyers fail to surrender their licences within the stipulated time, they will face disciplinary proceedings, including suspension of licence and possible criminal action,” the council said.

Bar associations across Odisha have also been instructed to suspend violators’ licences and initiate legal proceedings against them if they continue to hold office of profit or engage in commercial ventures while registered as practising advocates.