Delhi High Court issues notice to Bar Council over suspension of four advocates
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) in response to a petition filed by four advocates challenging their suspension over alleged misconduct during the bar council elections. The petitioners, who include a former Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) president, are contesting the council's decision to bar them from entering the Delhi High Court precincts.
A vacation bench of Justice Mini Pushkarna sought a response from the BCD. The court announced that the advocates' prayer for interim relief will be considered at the next scheduled hearing on July 1. Until then, the suspension remains in place.
The legal dispute stems from an April 26 decision taken by the BCD secretary. This action was initiated after the election committee submitted minutes of a meeting concerning an incident that transpired at the S-Block of the Delhi High Court on April 25. The elections themselves had been held earlier in February.
According to the election committee's minutes, the four lawyers allegedly attempted to forcibly block the returning officer, members of the election committee, and the counting staff from entering the counting venue. The advocates were also accused of using abusive language during the confrontation.
Following the incident, the BCD issued a three-page suspension letter to the four lawyers. In addition to barring them from the Delhi High Court premises, the BCD issued show-cause notices. These notices required the advocates to explain why further disciplinary action, which could include a three-year suspension of their licences to practise, should not be initiated against them for professional misconduct.
In their petition to the High Court, the suspended advocates argued that the BCD took the decision without granting them an opportunity to be heard. They also contended that the committee did not possess the jurisdiction to pass such a suspension order, pointing out that the decision carries far-reaching consequences for their professional careers.
