The general public do not have to use an individual broker but they must use a brokerage firm since the firm has the access to the markets.
You can always open with a brokerage firm and choose not to use the services of a stock broker.
In India one has to open ( should be more than 18 years ) Demat and Trading account with
registered Stock brokers and dealing in shares should be routed through the Stock Traders.Stock brokers collect a nominal charges o open the account
