Kamalanathan.N v. Union Of India

2024:MHC:3429

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 18.09.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.M.SUBRAMANIAM AND THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE N.MALA Kamalanathan.N ... Petitioner Vs.

1.Union of India, Bar Council of India, Represented by its Secretary, 21 Rouse Avenue Institutional Area, Near Bal Bhawan, New Delhi - 110 002.

2.The Secretary, Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Bar Council Building, High Court Campus, Chennai - 600 104.

3.The Chairperson, Enrollment Committee, Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Bar Council Building, High Court Campus, Chennai - 600 104.

4.The Registrar, The Tamil Nadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University, Chennai - 600 028.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 2 and 3 to forthwith allow the petitioner to enroll in the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as an advocate in any future enrolment to be scheduled, with reference to the petitioner's enrolment and acknowledgment vide identification No.PR1215010 issued on 28.08.2021 by the 2nd respondent. For Petitioner : Mr.P.Sriram For R1 : Mr.S.R.Raghunathan Standing Counsel [For Bar Council of India] For R2 & R3 : Mr.C.K.Chandrasekar Standing Counsel [For Bar Council of Tamil Nadu]

O R D E R

[Order of the Court was made by S.M.SUBRAMANIAM, J.] The writ of mandamus has been instituted to direct the respondents 2 and 3 to allow the petitioner to enrol in the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as an advocate in any future enrolment to be scheduled, with

reference to the petitioner's enrolment and acknowledgement vide identification No.PR1215010 issued on 28.08.2021 by the 2nd respondent.

2. The petitioner has pursued S.S.L.C and thereafter three years Diploma course in Computer Engineering.

3. Mr.S.R.Ragunathan, learned Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the Bar Council of India would submit that issues relating to lateral entry are under consideration before the Bar Council of India with reference various courses undergone by the candidates, who have submitted application seeking enrolment in State Bar Councils.

4. Since the issue is under consideration, we are inclined to direct the Bar Council of India to take a decision on the application submitted by the petitioner on merits and in accordance with law within a period of eight (8) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

[S.M.S., J.] [N.M., J.] 18.09.2024 Jeni Index : Yes Speaking order / Non-speaking order To 1.The Secretary, Union of India, Bar Council of India, 21 Rouse Avenue Institutional Area, Near Bal Bhawan, New Delhi - 110 002.

2.The Secretary, Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Bar Council Building, High Court Campus, Chennai - 600 104.

3.The Chairperson, Enrollment Committee, Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Bar Council Building, High Court Campus, Chennai - 600 104.

4.The Registrar, The Tamil Nadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University, Chennai - 600 028.

S.M.SUBRAMANIAM, J.

and N.MALA, J.

Jeni 18.09.2024