In 1873, European Barristers at the Allahabad High Court established the Bar Association, formally inaugurated on February 3rd with Mr. Jardine as its first President and twelve members. The Association aimed to address matters concerning the Bar's interests in the region and to promote a high standard of professionalism while discouraging unprofessional practices.
Two years later, in 1875, the Vakils of the High Court formed their own association known as the Vakils’ Association. This organization was dedicated to advancing the interests of the legal profession in the North-Western Provinces, especially those of the Vakils. Its objectives included fostering a professional ethos among its members, monitoring legal developments, and advocating legislative reforms. Pt. Ajudhia Nath, a prominent figure renowned for his fearless advocacy and public contributions, served as its first President. Notably, he chaired the Reception Committee at the IV Session of the Indian National Congress held in Allahabad in 1888, where his powerful address received widespread acclaim.
It wasn't until 1896, almost thirty years after the establishment of the High Court, that the Chief Justice was empowered to elevate a Vakil to the status of Advocate based on exceptional merit and ability. The first batch of Vakils to attain this status included Mr. Ram Prasad, Mr. J.N. Chaudhary, Pt. Sunder Lal, and Pt. Moti Lal Nehru. Despite being granted Advocate status, they opted to remain members of the Vakils’ Association rather than join the Bar Association, which was predominantly European-dominated. This decision underscored the ongoing tensions between Vakils and Barristers, particularly regarding issues such as the right of pre-audience.
An interesting controversy arose concerning the attire of Vakil-Advocates, particularly whether they could wear the same gown as English Barristers. This issue was resolved by Chief Justice Sir John Edge, who decreed that Vakil-Advocates would wear the Chief Justice’s gown (QC’s gown), aligning their attire with that of the Judges. Subsequent rule changes mandated a uniform gown for all legal professionals.
Until their amalgamation in 1957, the Bar Association and the Vakils’ Association operated from separate parts of the High Court building, reflecting their distinct histories and memberships. The Vakils’ Association was renamed the Advocates’ Association following the enactment of the Indian Bar Council Act in 1926. Meanwhile, the Bar Association was rechristened as the Bar Library in 1922.
Additionally, the High Court Bar Association emerged in 1933 under the patronage of the Chief Justice, providing a unified platform for both Barristers and Advocates. This Association was pivotal in fostering camaraderie and cooperation between legal professionals who had previously operated within separate organizational frameworks.
Ultimately, in November 1957, these three associations merged to form the High Court Bar Association, which continues to occupy a new building. Over the years, the Allahabad Bar has produced illustrious Judges who have served across India’s High Courts. Notably, it has contributed significantly to India's legal and political landscape, producing leaders such as Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha, the first President of the Constituent Assembly, and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister. The Bar has also provided key legal luminaries who held prominent positions in the Government of India's Law Portfolio, including Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Dr. Kailash Nath Katju, and Sri Gopal Swaroop Pathak until 1966.
