The Bar Council of India formed in 1961 is all set to commence its golden jubilee celebrations from this month, starting with its inaugural event in New Delhi, followed by functions in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and other state capitals.

The Apex body established under the Advocates Act, 1961 now has jurisdiction over 12 lakh advocates, 950 law schools and approximately 4-5 lakh law students across the country.

The BCI has geared up a series of seminars, conferences, contests and refresher programmes as a part of its golden jubilee starting from next year.

"The President and Prime Minister will unveil year-long programmes to be held at all state capitals, starting with the four chartered high courts at Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Allahabad," stated Prabhakaran, Chairman of the Golden Jubilee celebration committee, reports TOI

Speaking to Bar & Bench BCI Chairman Ashok Parija said, “To mark the celebrations, BCI is organizing various work shops, seminars and other programmes. Every State Bar Council will have something in this regard. We are starting a programme in February at Delhi where we will impart continuing legal education to 30-50 lawyers who are practicing in trial courts. Mr. N.R. Madhava Menon is looking after this project. We will also have five workshops in five zones and the first one will be in Delhi.”

The BCI Trust through its press release dated November 29, 2011 has announced to conduct three All – India Inter-University Moot Court Competition starting from February 17, 2012 as a part of their golden jubilee celebrations.

The Moot Court Competition will be held in the State of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Delhi in association with Institute of Law Nirma University, Ahmedabad, National Law University Jodhpur and National Law University Delhi.

The BCI in its press release has requested the participating universities to nominate three teams consisting of not more than three students which will include two mooters and one researcher.

The press release further states that the law colleges outside the universities must get in touch with the universities to which they are affiliated and get their nominations sent through Deans/ Registrars.

It is time for all the legal professionals and law student to come together and be a part of this celebration starting this December.