About Himachal Pradesh Bar Council
Established in 1971, serving the legal community with integrity and excellence
Our Foundation
With the formation of the State of Himachal Pradesh, following the promulgation of the State of Himachal Pradesh Act, 1970, on January 25, 1971, a separate High Court of Himachal Pradesh was established in Shimla. Consequently, a separate Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh was also formed in Shimla under Section 24 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
Prior to this, the enrolment of advocates and related matters were managed by the Bar Council of Composite Punjab. Following the reorganization, this Bar Council was renamed the Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh, headquartered in Shimla.
The 15 Founding Members
Nominated by the Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh under section 24(5) of the Advocates' Act 1961, these distinguished advocates laid the foundation of our council.
Shri Indar Singh
#1 First ChairmanShri Amar Chand Sood
#2 First Vice-ChairmanShri Bishamber Nath
#3Shri Susheel Malhotra
#4Shri S. R. Bhandari
#5Shri Bhagat Ram Sharma
#6Shri Sant Ram Sharma
#7Shri Bakshi Sita Ram
#8Shri Hira Singh Thakur
#9Shri Ved Viyas Mahajan
#10Shri Beli Ram Thakur
#11Shri Kanwar Dalip Thakur
#12Shri Ramesh Chand Sood
#13Shri Chhabil Dass
#14 First Elected ChairmanShri Manohar Lal
#15 First Elected Vice-ChairmanHistorical Timeline
Formation of HP Bar Council
Separate Bar Council established following HP Act 1970. First meeting held on November 7, 1971.
First Election
First election conducted on 21/23 October 1972. Shri Chhabil Dass elected as Chairman.
Special Committee
Bar Council of India constituted Special Committee to oversee affairs and conduct elections.
Welfare Fund Act
Enactment of HP Advocates Welfare Fund Act, 1996 for supporting advocates in need.
Advocates Directory
Launch of "All Himachal Advocates Directory" to bridge communication gaps.
Current Leadership
Mr. Lovneesh Kanwar
Current ChairmanCurrently serving as chairman, steering initiatives and guiding the legal community in the state.
Distinguished Former Leaders
Shri Bhawani Singh
Elevated to Judge, later Chief Justice of J&K High CourtShri Arun Kumar Goel
Elevated as Judge of H.P. High CourtMr. Ajay Kumar Sharma
Previous ChairmanMr. Ajay Kochhar
Chairman (2021)Advocate Enrollment Process
Eligibility
Law degree from recognized universities permitted to impart legal education
Online Application
Law graduates can enroll online for Himachal Pradesh Bar Council
Committee Review
Enrollment committee scrutinizes prospective member's application
Bar Examination
All India Bar Examination conducted by Bar Council of India
Council Constitution
The council elects its own chairman and vice-chairman for a period of five years. The chairman acts as chief executive, assisted by various committees. Voting rights are available only for advocates having a Certificate of Practice.
Our Members
Sh Lovneesh Kanwar
NOT PROVIDED
Sh Rohit Kumar Sharma
NOT PROVIDED
Dr.Amit Vaid
NOT PROVIDED