If your counsel had reported "no instructions", or if your have been set exparte, you don"t require the consent of the said lawyer to engage another counsel.
In case he continues appearance, and you want to change him, then you have to get the NOC from him of the vakalathnama for the new lawyer.
In case the earlier lawyer refuses to give Consent or NOC, then you can engage another lawyer and file a document in writing (by the client) under Rule 4(2) of Order III of the Code of Civil Procedure for leave of court to terminate the appointment of earlier lawyer.
In case of suits, you have to proceed under Order IX Rule 9 or Order IX Ruloe 13 or Order IX Rule 12 as the case may be depending upon whether you are the plaintiff or defendant or in case you failed to appear in person in spite of specific order from court.
SUBRAMANIAN. C.R