Aastha Pareek
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has taken a significant step in addressing allegations of irregularities concerning the LL.B. (Hons.) degree of Sanjeev Nasiar, Vice-Chairman of the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD). In a resolution passed on December 7, 2024, the BCI decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an in-depth investigation. Pending the outcome of the probe, Nasiar has been removed from his position as Vice-Chairman of the BCD.
The decision followed the findings of a sub-committee constituted by the BCI on September 3, 2024, to investigate the authenticity of Nasiar’s degree. The inquiry was initiated pursuant to directions issued by the Delhi High Court in a writ petition filed by an advocate Naresh Chand Gupta, who alleged that Nasiar had enrolled as an advocate based on a forged degree. The sub-committee submitted its report on October 25, 2024, identifying several discrepancies in Nasiar’s academic credentials. It was found that the LL.B. (Hons.) program offered by P.M.B. Gujarati Arts and Law College, Indore, was unauthorized during the relevant period, and records from Devi Ahilyabai Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore, appeared tampered. The report further highlighted that the LL.B. (Hons.) course was only introduced under BCI regulations in 2008, making it impossible for Nasiar to have obtained such a degree in the year 1988.
The sub-committee also noted significant non-cooperation by the university during the inquiry, with officials allegedly obstructing the verification process. Such conduct raised serious doubts regarding the authenticity of the degree and related documentation. Despite prior claims of genuineness by the university, inconsistencies in its behaviour during verification efforts led the BCI to conclude that a thorough investigation by the CBI was necessary.
In adopting the sub-committee’s findings, the BCI resolved to approach the CBI to investigate the authenticity of Nasiar’s LL.B. (Hons.) degree and the potential fabrication of records. As stated in the resolution, the BCI remains committed to preserving the integrity and dignity of the legal profession and ensuring public confidence in its sanctity. The council emphasized that only individuals meeting the highest standards of ethics and qualifications should be permitted to practice law in India.
The allegations against Nasiar originated from a writ petition that pointed out inconsistencies in his academic documents and referenced a broader issue of forged degrees from the same university. In proceedings before the Delhi High Court, the university initially vouched for the authenticity of Nasiar’s degree. However, the High Court observed that the BCD failed to forward relevant records to the BCI for scrutiny, necessitating judicial intervention. Following the inquiry, the BCI found the university’s conduct to be inconsistent, further justifying the need for CBI involvement.
The BCI’s decision underscores its resolve to uphold the highest standards of accountability within the legal profession. By taking decisive action, the council aims to reinforce public trust in the legal system and ensure the profession’s integrity is preserved.
Case Name:- Naresh Chand Gupta v. Sanjeev Nasiar & Ors.
Case Number:- W.P.(C) 3244/2024
Bench:- Justice Sachin Dutta