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bharat khatwani   22 July 2024

Authority of bar council of india

I found following information on website of Bar council of India under heading RULES FOR PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS.4. Refuse to act in an illegal manner towards the opposition An advocate should refuse to act in an illegal or improper manner towards the opposing counsel or the opposing parties. He shall also use his best efforts to restrain and prevent his client from acting in any illegal, improper manner or use unfair practices in any mater towards the judiciary, opposing counsel or the opposing parties. 5. Refuse to represent clients who insist on unfair means An advocate shall refuse to represent any client who insists on using unfair or improper means. An advocate shall excise his own judgment in such matters. He shall not blindly follow the instructions of the client. He shall be dignified in use of his language in correspondence and during arguments in court. He shall not scandalously damage the reputation of the parties on false grounds during pleadings. He shall not use unparliamentary language during arguments in the court. I am posting link of bar council of India for ready reference.https://www.barcouncilofindia.org/info/rules-on-an-advocates-duty-towards-the-court Advocate act 1961 has mandated bar councils to form rules /guidelines about Professional Conduct of Advocates,not only that it has also empowered council to take actions against advocates if they do not conduct themselves ethically or professionally.Advocate is having knoweledge of law.He can not take down dictation like a stenographer. He has to consider legal implications too. For example. WILL YOU SEND LEGAL NOTICE TO BANK ROBER FOR NOT GIVING DUE SHARE TO HIS ACOMPLICE just because partner in crime has paid your fee? Read more at: https://www.lawyersclubindia.com/forum/details.asp?quote=963356&mod_id=234060#reply



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 2 Replies

S. Gupta (Legal Scholar)     05 December 2024

The information you shared highlights the professional and ethical responsibilities of advocates as outlined by the Bar Council of India under the Advocate Act, 1961. Here’s how this aligns with your query:

  1. The Bar Council of India mandates advocates to adhere to strict ethical and professional standards in their practice. They are not mere instruments for their clients; instead, they are bound by the law and their duty towards the judiciary, opposing parties, and society at large.

  2. As per the guidelines:

    • Advocates must refuse to act in any illegal or improper manner, even if instructed by their clients.
    • They must also discourage their clients from engaging in unfair practices or illegal acts.
    • Advocates should exercise independent judgment and are not obligated to blindly follow instructions, especially if those instructions violate legal or ethical norms.
  3. To address your hypothetical example:

    • An advocate would refuse to send a legal notice to a bank robber demanding a share of the loot for their accomplice. This is because representing such a client or acting on their instructions would amount to assisting in an illegal activity and contravene the advocate’s ethical obligations.
    • The advocate’s role is to uphold the law, not facilitate or endorse criminal or unethical behavior, even if the client has paid their fees.
  4. The Advocate Act empowers the Bar Council to take disciplinary action against advocates who violate these professional standards. If an advocate were to act on such improper instructions, they could face consequences, including suspension or disbarment.

  5. This framework ensures that advocates maintain the integrity of the legal profession and act in a manner that upholds the rule of law. Advocates are expected to navigate legal and ethical considerations, distinguishing their role from that of a mere service provider.

we let me know if you want to explore this hypothetical question futhe more .. its intresting but at the same time as blatent as that . 

bharat khatwani   05 December 2024

Dear S. Gupta, Check out your PM.


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