The Madras high court remarked that the legal profession was in "worst condition” as advocates who were not even secondary school graduates were contesting elections with the alleged support of retired judges and bureaucrats, reported Scroll and others.

Justice N Kirubakaran, made oral observations while hearing the petition of two advocates who had challenged the _Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry_’s new election guidelines. According to the report:

“A person who did not even pass eighth standard got a masters degree through open university and became advocate and started an association,” the judge noted. Such people had put up big cutouts in front of the High Court ahead of elections to the lawyers’ body, along with photos of retired judges and Indian Administrative Service officers, he said. “It is worrying that such high-profile persons are supporting these people.”

The state bar council's special committee had resolved on 24 January that only those lawyers will be allowed to contest the upcoming 28 March bar council elections who have practiced law continuosly for 10 years, have not been punished for contempt, do not hold official positions in political parties and are not facing any bar council disciplinary proceedings.

The judgment will be delivered today, said the judge. Today is also the last day for filing nominations, the petitioners reportedly told the court.