The Punjab Bar Council has issued a directive on April 16, 2026, requiring lawyers to surrender their licenses if they engage in any form of employment or business.
Lawyers must comply within one month, with a final deadline set for May 15, 2026. This decision has prompted intense reactions from the legal community.
According to the new rules, any source of income aside from practicing law is prohibited for licensed attorneys. Many lawyers argue that obtaining a license to practice is already a challenging process.
They also highlight that lawyers do not receive any permanent salary or pension. The financial burden associated with Bar Council elections often exceeds millions of rupees.
Key facts:
- The directive was announced as part of the Punjab Bar Council’s 2023 regulations.
- Lawyers typically spend up to four years under the mentorship of a senior lawyer before qualifying.
- A significant portion of lawyers reportedly spends up to 45 percent of their income on Bar Council-related expenses.
Many lawyers have voiced concerns over this mandate. “If this is a business, how can you prohibit someone from engaging in another business?” one lawyer stated.
Another remarked, “It seems that the Bar Councils have adopted a stance of opposing every government action, whether it pertains to legislation or administrative decisions.” This sentiment reflects widespread dissatisfaction within the legal profession.
The Punjab Bar Council’s decision raises questions about the welfare of lawyers and their ability to sustain livelihoods outside of legal practice. Observers are closely monitoring how this will impact the legal profession moving forward.
