The Punjab Bar Council issued a directive on April 16, 2026, instructing lawyers to surrender their licenses if they engage in employment or business activities. This decision has drawn severe criticism from the legal community.
Lawyers must submit their licenses within one month, with a final deadline set for May 15, 2026. The council’s rules state that any source of income outside of legal practice is prohibited for licensed lawyers.
This new regulation comes amid ongoing discussions about the welfare of lawyers and the challenges they face in maintaining their licenses. Many lawyers argue that obtaining a license is already a difficult process.
Key facts:
- Lawyers have one month to surrender their licenses.
- The final submission date is May 15, 2026.
- Engaging in any private income source aside from legal practice is banned.
- Lawyers do not receive a permanent salary or pension.
Some members of the legal community expressed disbelief over this ruling. They argue that it undermines their right to pursue alternate sources of income. One lawyer stated, “If this is a business, how can you prohibit someone from engaging in another business?”
Another lawyer noted that the council has historically opposed government actions, whether legislative or administrative. This trend raises questions about its commitment to supporting the legal profession.
The council’s rules, established in 2023, explicitly ban any private income source outside of practicing law. As such, this directive may further complicate the financial stability of many lawyers in Punjab.