Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Centre Says No Legal Bar to Rajiv Gandhi Convict’s Enrolment
The Centre gave its opinion to the Madras High Court about a Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict becoming a lawyer.
It said the law does not permanently stop a convict from enrolling as an advocate.
The Centre said a disqualification under the Advocates Act ends two years after release, dismissal or removal.
This means the restriction is not meant to last forever.
The Centre said legal rules must protect professional standards.
It also said people should have opportunities for reform and rehabilitation.
These principles can help people return to society.
The court is considering the Centre’s submission.
The Centre told the Madras High Court that no legal bar permanently prevents the convict from enrolling as an advocate.
It argued that disqualification under the Advocates Act ends two years after a person’s release, dismissal or removal.
The Centre said existing law does not allow convicts to be permanently barred from legal enrolment.
It said the framework balances professional standards with reform and rehabilitation.
The submission also cited reintegration into society as a principle behind the legal framework.
- Who
- The Centre and a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.
- What
- The Centre told the Madras High Court that existing law does not permanently bar the convict from enrolling as an advocate.
- Where
- The Madras High Court.
- Why
- The Centre said the Advocates Act balances professional standards with reform, rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
- Case subject
- Enrolment as an advocate by a Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict
- Government position
- The Centre said there is no permanent legal bar to enrolment.
- Relevant law
- The Advocates Act
- Disqualification period
- The Centre said disqualification ceases two years after release, dismissal or removal.
- Legal principle
- Convicts cannot be permanently barred from enrolment under the existing legal framework, according to the Centre.
- Policy considerations
- Professional standards, reform, rehabilitation and reintegration into society.