Delhi High Court Directs Bar Council Of India To Register Korean Citizen As Advocate

The Delhi High Court has ordered the Bar Council of India (BCI) to register Dayong Jung, a Korean national who completed his LLB in India, to practice as an advocate within two days.

The court’s decision comes after the petitioner challenged the BCI’s refusal to allow him registration.

Delhi High Court Ruling: No Stay On Single Bench Order

Justices Pratibha Maninder Singh and Rajnish Kumar Gupta stated that there was no stay on the single-judge bench’s order accepting Jung’s petition for registration. As such, the BCI cannot prevent his registration.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 28.

The Delhi Bar Council (BDC) initially rejected Jung’s application for registration. He then appealed to the BCI, which also dismissed his request.

Following these rejections, Jung approached the Delhi High Court.

Petitioner’s Argument: Equality For Foreign Graduates

In his petition, Jung argued that since Korea allows Indian citizens with law degrees to practice law, foreign nationals who complete their law degrees in India should be allowed the same.

He referred to Section 24 of the Advocates Act, which allows foreign nationals with law degrees from Indian institutions to practice law in the country.

On May 30, 2023, Justice Yashwant Verma’s single bench accepted Jung’s petition.

The BCI’s decision to challenge this ruling led to the present appeal, with the two-judge bench now directing the BCI.

ALSO READ: Delhi High Court Issues Notice On Bird Strike Prevention At IGI Airport