Odisha State Bar Council cracks down on non-practising lawyers

Bhubaneswar : The Odisha State Bar Council has directed lawyers engaged in activities other than practising law to surrender their licences within a month. The decision comes after reports that some advocates, despite obtaining licences, are involved in businesses, private or government jobs, and even hold offices of profit, which violates the Advocates Act, 1961.

In a resolution passed on April 12 this year, the council warned that failure to comply would invite strict disciplinary action. It also clarified that such dual engagement undermines the professional ethics of the legal community.

Bar associations across Odisha have been asked to ensure compliance. They have also been empowered to suspend licences of violators and initiate criminal proceedings against those who fail to surrender voluntarily. The move aims to maintain the sanctity of the profession and ensure only practising advocates remain on the official rolls.