HANIRAJ L. CHULANI vs BAR COUNCIL OF MAHARASHTRA & GOA

The Supreme Court ruled that the refusal of the State Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa to enroll a medical practitioner as an advocate under the Advocates Act, 1961 was unjustified. The Court found that Rule (1) of the Bar Council, which prohibits enrollment for those practicing another profession, was ultra vires and unconstitutional as it violated Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, imposing unreasonable restrictions on the right to practice any profession. The Court held that qualified individuals should not be denied the right to practice law based solely on their engagement in another profession.