- [(1)] [ Section 7 renumbered as sub-Section (1) thereof by Act 60 of 1973, Section 7 (w.e.f. 31.1.1974)] The functions of the Bar Council of India shall be
to lay down standards of professional conduct and etiquette for advocates;
to lay down the procedure to be followed by its disciplinary committee and the disciplinary committee of each State Bar Council;
to safeguard the rights, privileges and interests of advocates;
to promote and support law reform;
to deal with and dispose of any matter arising under this Act, which may be referred to it by a State Bar Council;
to exercise general supervision and control over State Bar Councils;
to promote legal education and to lay down standards of such education in consultation with the Universities in India imparting such education and the State Bar Councils;
[ to conduct seminars and organise talks on legal topics by eminent jurists and publish journals and papers of legal interest; [ Inserted by Act 60 of 1973, Section 7 (w.e.f. 31.1.1974).]
to organise legal aid to the poor in the prescribed manner;
to recognise on a reciprocal basis foreign qualifications in law obtained outside India for the purpose of admission as an advocate under this Act;]
to manage and invest the funds of the Bar Council;
to provide for the election of its members;
to perform all other functions conferred on it by or under this Act;
to do all other things necessary for discharging the aforesaid functions;
(2)
[ The Bar Council of India may constitute one or more funds in the prescribed manner for the purpose of
- giving financial assistance to organise welfare schemes for indigent, disabled or other advocates;
- giving legal aid or advice in accordance with the rules made in this behalf;]
- [ establishing law libraries.] [ Inserted by Act 70 of 1993, Section 3 (w.e.f. 26.12.1993)]
(3)
[ The Bar Council of India may receive any grants, donations, gifts or benefactions for all or any of the purposes specified in sub-section (2) which shall be credited to the appropriate fund or funds constituted under that sub-section.] [ Inserted by Act 60 of 1973, Section 7 (w.e.f. 31.1.1974)]