SC weighs Aadhaar-like digital ID registry to verify lawyers across India

The Bar Association of India (BAI) has approached the Supreme Court with a proposal to create a nationwide digital database for advocates, similar in concept to Aadhaar, to facilitate instant verification of lawyers' credentials and tackle the growing problem of individuals falsely posing as legal practitioners.

The petition seeks the establishment of a National Digital Registry for the Legal Profession of India (NDRLP), a technology-enabled platform that would assign every advocate a unique identification number linked to verified educational qualifications, enrolment details and any disciplinary history.

Hearing the matter, a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana observed that such a far-reaching reform would require consultation with a broad range of stakeholders before any decision could be taken.

Describing the proposal as an innovative idea, Chief Justice Kant noted that law universities across the country would have to be involved in the process and disclose records of genuine graduates to ensure the authenticity of the database.

Representing the BAI, counsel informed the Court that an interim policy document would soon be filed. He also suggested that the existing code of conduct governing advocates may require revisions to address contemporary challenges.

The Bench indicated that it may consider setting up a fresh committee with a revised composition to examine the concerns raised in the petition. During the hearing, the Court also expressed concern over the conduct and public statements of some individuals claiming to be members of the legal profession.

Chief Justice Kant remarked that several such statements appeared to have little connection with the values and standards expected of lawyers. At the same time, he emphasised the importance of nurturing younger advocates and integrating them more effectively into the profession.

According to the Chief Justice, many young lawyers are struggling to find opportunities in overcrowded courts, and greater support and training are necessary to help them become part of the mainstream legal system. He pointed out that some young advocates have formed constructive associations, describing this as a positive development.

The Court has scheduled the matter for hearing on the first Monday after the conclusion of the ongoing summer vacation.

In its plea, the BAI argues that the legal profession faces a serious governance challenge due to the absence of a single, reliable and publicly verifiable national database of advocates. The organisation contends that this gap weakens transparency and makes it difficult for litigants, courts and public authorities to confirm whether a person claiming to be a lawyer is genuinely enrolled.

The petition highlights that advocate records are currently maintained separately by 23 State Bar Councils, resulting in inconsistent standards and limited interoperability. According to the BAI, there is no mechanism that allows real-time verification of an advocate's enrolment status, educational credentials or professional standing.

To address these shortcomings, the proposed NDRLP would serve as a permanent national digital infrastructure containing verified information about every advocate. The registry would include unique identification numbers, academic credentials, current enrolment status and publicly accessible professional profiles.

The BAI argues that such a system would not only strengthen professional accountability but also enhance confidence in India's legal system. It maintains that a transparent and trustworthy verification framework would reinforce India's reputation as a rule-of-law democracy and support its attractiveness as a destination for domestic and foreign investment.

Apart from the digital registry, the petition also seeks directions to the Bar Council of India to formulate a comprehensive framework governing advocates' use of social media. The BAI has raised concerns over online solicitation, misleading promotional practices and conduct that could undermine public trust in the justice delivery system.

Senior advocate Vipin Nair appeared on behalf of the Bar Association of India along with BAI President Prashant Kumar.