September 12, 2026

Section 15 – Advocates Act: Power to Make Rules (Chapter II)

Advocates Act, 1961 — back to Table of Contents

Section 15. Power to make rules

(1) A Bar Council may make rules to carry out the purposes of Chapter II (Bar Councils).

(2) Such rules may, without prejudice to the generality of that power, provide for —

  • (a) election of members by secret ballot, including postal ballot conditions, preparation/revision of electoral rolls, and publication of results;
  • (c) the manner of election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman;
  • (d) the authority and manner for deciding doubts and disputes as to validity of an election (including to the office of Chairman/Vice-Chairman);
  • (f) filling of casual vacancies;
  • (g) powers and duties of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman;
  • (ga) constitution of funds for financial assistance or legal aid/advice under sections 6(2) and 7(2);
  • (gb) organisation of legal aid and advice to the poor, and the committees for that purpose;
  • (h) summoning/holding of meetings, conduct of business, and quorum;
  • (i) constitution and functions of Council committees and members’ terms;
  • (j) summoning/holding of committee meetings, conduct of business, and quorum;
  • (k) qualifications and service conditions of the secretary, accountant and other staff;
  • (l) maintenance of books of accounts;
  • (m) appointment of auditors and audit of accounts;
  • (n) management and investment of Bar Council funds.

(3) No rules made under this section by a State Bar Council have effect unless approved by the Bar Council of India.

Note: Clauses (b) and (e) were omitted by later amendments (1973 and 1966 respectively). Clauses (ga)–(gb) were inserted in 1973, and clause (c) was inserted by the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 1977.