The judges said the BCI may approve/disapprove either all or a part of the amendments made by the special committee of the BCTP. Singaravelan, who was also one of the members of the special committee, that both the State Bar Councils as well as BCI enjoyed concurrent powers to amend the election rules and prescribe new eligibility conditions. They rejected the argument of a couple of writ petitioners that the power vested only with the BCI and therefore, neither the State bar council nor the special committee could amend the rules. The amendments brought forth with immediate effect, through a resolution passed by the special committee on January 24, introduced seven new eligibility criteria. Lawyers who had already been elected two consecutive terms are also not entitled to contest, the new criteria stated.

Source: The Hindu February 05, 2018 19:30 UTC