Architectural practice requires statutory registration; unregistered persons cannot hold out or practise as architects.

Architectural practice under the Architects Act, 1972 is regulated and is not open to persons who are not registered under the Act. The Court stated that it was incorrect to treat the profession as freely available to anyone without registration, and it accepted the challenge to that extent while disposing of the appeal in line with the earlier view. The effect is that a person cannot hold out or practise as an architect unless the statutory registration requirement is satisfied.

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Issues: Whether practice as an architect under the Architects Act, 1972 is confined to registered architects and whether a person not registered under the Act can hold out or practise as an architect.

Analysis: The order disposes of the appeal in terms of the earlier view that the High Court erred in rejecting the contention that practice under the Architects Act, 1972 is not restricted only to architects. It also records that it is not correct to say that anyone can practise as an architect without registration under the Act.

Conclusion: The contention that the profession is open to unregistered persons was rejected, while the appellant's challenge to the contrary understanding was accepted to the extent indicated.

Final Conclusion: The appeal was disposed of in line with the earlier decision, reaffirming that architectural practice is regulated and registration under the statute is necessary.

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