Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 6
In a significant interim order, the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court on May 6 directed the Bar Council of India and the Bar Council of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim to immediately make arrangements for an examination centre in Nagaland for the upcoming All India Bar Examination (AIBE) scheduled on June 7.
“Due arrangements shall be made by the respondent nos. 2 (BCI) and 3 (BCI Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim,) to do the needful to have the examination scheduled on 07.06.2026 to be held at Kohima in the State of Nagaland for the candidates of this State,” the order stated.
A Division Bench comprising Justices Kalyan Rai Surana and Sanjeev Kumar Sharma issued the interim direction came while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking establishment of a permanent AIBE examination centre in Nagaland.
The petitioners argued that while several candidates from the State of Nagaland are appearing in the upcoming exam, they were being compelled to travel outside Nagaland to appear for the examination, causing financial and logistical hardship.
During the hearing, the Division Bench observed that despite earlier notice and opportunity, the Bar Council of India failed to appear before the Court or place its response on record.
The Court noted that such “conspicuous absence” could only be construed as an attempt to delay effective orders in the matter.
Taking into account the approaching examination date, the Court directed the respondent authorities to “forthwith make all arrangements” for one examination centre in Nagaland.
The Court further directed both Bar Councils to give adequate publicity regarding the examination centre and ensure that all permanent residents of Nagaland appearing for the examination are allowed to opt for the Kohima centre, with such requests to be honoured.
As the order was passed ex parte due to the absence of the respondent authorities, the petitioner was also directed to serve certified copies of the order to the concerned respondents through email for immediate compliance.
The matter has been listed for further hearing in June 2 after compliance and submission of status by the respondent authorities.
