The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed the immediate removal of Advocate Sanjeev Nasiar from his position as Vice Chairman of the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) and has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the authenticity of his LL.B. (Hons.) degree. Nasiar, who also leads the legal cell of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is under scrutiny following allegations of possessing a fabricated law degree.
In a meeting held on December 7, 2024, the BCI resolved to take decisive action regarding irregularities in the LL.B. (Hons.) degree purportedly issued to Nasiar by Devi Ahilyabai Vishvavidyalaya, Indore. This decision stems from an inquiry conducted by a sub-committee formed on September 3, 2024, in response to directives from the Delhi High Court.
The BCI’s press statement highlighted significant discrepancies uncovered during the investigation. An inspection of P.M.B. Gujarati Arts and Law College, Indore, revealed that the institution was not authorized to offer an LL.B. (Hons.) course during the period in question. Academic records appeared tampered with, displaying uniform handwriting and consistent ink over an extended timeframe. Moreover, the LL.B. (Hons.) program was introduced under BCI regulations only in 2008, rendering the degree allegedly issued in 1988 inconsistent with regulatory standards.
The non-cooperation and obstructive behavior of university officials during the inquiry further cast serious doubts on the authenticity of the degree. Consequently, the sub-committee concluded that the legitimacy of Nasiar’s LL.B. (Hons.) degree is highly questionable.
Exercising its statutory authority under the Advocates Act, 1961, and the Bar Council of India Rules, the BCI resolved to adopt the sub-committee’s report dated October 25, 2024. The Secretary of the BCI has been directed to approach the CBI to conduct an immediate investigation into the authenticity of Nasiar’s degree and potential fabrication of related records. Pending the investigation’s outcome, Nasiar has been removed from his position as Vice Chairman of the BCD.
This development follows a series of legal challenges concerning Nasiar’s qualifications. In August 2024, the Delhi High Court dismissed a petition seeking his removal, noting that the verification report from the concerned university stated his law degree is genuine. However, the BCI’s recent findings have prompted further action to ensure the integrity of legal practice and uphold professional standards within the legal community.
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The BCI’s decision underscores its commitment to maintaining the legal profession’s credibility and ensuring that individuals in positions of authority possess valid qualifications. The outcome of the CBI investigation will be pivotal in determining the next steps in this matter.
