The Supreme Court today dismissed a petition filed by an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) seeking to be treated on par with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) for the purpose of practicing law and obtaining membership in the state bar council. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi ruled that the OCI status, while providing certain benefits, does not equate to Indian citizenship, which remains a mandatory requirement for enrollment under Section 24 of the Advocates Act. Section 24 of the Advocates Act deals with the individuals who may be admitted as advocates on the state roll.