The Bar Council of India (BCI) has removed Sanjeev Nasiar from the post of Bar Council of Delhi's vice chairman for allegedly faking his law degree. Nasiar, who is also the president of Aam Aadmi Party's legal cell, has accused the BJP of "weaponising" the Bar Council against him.
"I am not afraid of any action or investigation. I welcome any inquiry by the CBI or any other authority. I will not be intimidated. Every document of mine has already been verified, and the high court has upheld this," he said at a press conference.
The Bar Council of India said a thorough enquiry has found that the authenticity of Sanjeev Nasiar's LLB (Hons) degree is highly questionable. It said the BCI's general council had resolved to adopt the committee's report, and the BCI secretary had been directed to approach the CBI, requesting it to probe the degree's authenticity.
"Pending the outcome of the investigation, Sanjeev Nasiar is removed from the position of vice chairman, Bar Council of Delhi," as per a release signed by BCI secretary Srimanto Sen.
"The BCI is conscientious to uphold the prestige and honour of the legal profession and remains resolute in its resolve to uphold its sanctity to ensure that only those meeting the highest standards of ethics and qualifications are permitted to practice law in India," the release said.
AAP Opposes BCI's Decision
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly opposed the BCI decision to remove Nasiar from the post of vice-chairman. AAP leader Durgesh Pathak demanded that the BCI withdraw the "arbitrary" order.
"AAP vehemently opposes the action against Sanjeev Nasiar and demands BCI to withdraw its arbitrary order," Pathak said.
Pathak charged that the BCI, an institution responsible for ensuring justice, has committed "grave injustice" and punished Nasiar for his ideological support to the AAP.