The special committee investigates the claims of deception and cheating made by candidates during the exam (representative image)
AIBE XVII 2023: BCI alleged that a few lawyers including Jignesh Joshi provided answers for the exam via WhatsApp in an attempt to trick candidates appearing for the AIBE in Rajkot into cheating
The Bar Association of India (BCI) has formed an investigative committee to investigate the allegations of malpractice that took place during the AIBE XVII 2023 examination which was conducted on February 5. This special committee will investigate claims of deception and cheating made by candidates during the examination. This move follows certain reports published in regional newspapers in Gujarat.
BCI alleged that a few lawyers including Jignesh Joshi provided answers for the exam via WhatsApp in an attempt to trick candidates appearing for the AIBE in Rajkot into cheating. According to a BCI press release, of the 28 answers provided to the candidates, 21 answers are wrong. With this, lawyer Joshi tried to mislead the candidate and tempt him to cheat, says BCI.
“However, on the face of it, it is certain that lawyer Mr. Jignesh Joshi and his associates had tried to deceive some of the appearing young lawyers under the false pretext of giving them the replies to their WhatsApp group via mobile,” reads the official post. This was done by lawyer Joshi to serve his self-interest in an effort to gain their votes in the Bar Association elections, the Council added.
The three-member commission will be headed by Judge J Upadhyay, a former judge of the Gujarat High Court. While the other members are BCI member, Jayant D Jaibhave, and Professor (Dr) S Shanthakumar, Principal of Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar.
The Bar Association of India has asked the committee to examine its report and submit it to the Chairman of the Council within seven days of receipt of the notification. BCI has also ordered that appropriate disciplinary and other legal action will be taken against those found guilty. The Council has further hinted that the committee will examine CCTV footage to find out who all were involved in such malpractice.
The AIBE XVII 2023 exam was held on February 5 in 53 cities and 261 centers. It was conducted with technology-assisted monitoring and confidentiality processes to ensure fair exam practices. Approximately 1,73,586 lawyers registered for the exam, while 1,71,402 (98 percent) appeared for it.
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