The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition filed by an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) seeking recognition on par with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) for the purpose of practising law and securing enrolment with a State Bar Council.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi held that OCI status does not amount to Indian citizenship. While OCI cardholders may enjoy certain limited privileges under the law, they cannot be equated with Indian citizens, which remains a mandatory requirement for enrolment as an advocate under Section 24 of the Advocates Act.

Section 24 of the Advocates Act lays down the qualifications for admission as an advocate on the State roll, including the requirement of Indian citizenship, subject to specified exceptions. The Court made it clear that OCI status does not satisfy this statutory condition.