The Supreme Court slammed the district bar associations in Haryana, stating that lawyers’ chambers have turned into hubs for property dealers. A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant warned that it may order a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into their activities if necessary. The court expressed concern over the misuse of legal chambers, which should be dedicated to legal work but are instead being used for commercial dealings.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court expressed serious concerns about the “shameful acts,” “malpractices,” and “massive corruption” occurring within the district bar councils of Punjab and Haryana, suggesting the possibility of a special investigation team (SIT) probe into their activities.
A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant stated,
“The offices and chambers of lawyers of these state bar councils have become a hub of property dealers and corruption. They are indulging in all kinds of shameful acts and malpractices. It has come to our notice and we will not leave them lightly. They have brought disrepute to the profession,”
The Bench, which also included Justice N Kotiswar Singh, indicated that it might establish an SIT to investigate the bar councils’ operations and examine their bank accounts, particularly those in Haryana, if deemed necessary.
Senior counsel Narender Hooda brought up allegations against bar leaders, to which Justice Surya Kant responded,
“These allegations may be correct… We have no doubt at all in our mind that all these office-bearers are involved in such shameful acts and are bringing disrepute to the profession. I have seen so many district bars associations, they are indulging in all kinds of malpractices and corruption. The Government of Haryana has pampered them. These chambers of advocates have become ‘addas’ (den) of property dealers. No serious professional is sitting there.”
In the context of a petition concerning an election dispute within the Karnal Bar Association, the Bench requested senior advocate RS Cheema to recommend respected members of the Karnal Bar who could temporarily oversee the Association’s affairs.
It also issued a notice on advocate Sandeep Chaudhary’s petition and scheduled the next hearing for April 15.
The Supreme Court’s remarks highlights key legal and ethical violations. According to the Advocates Act, 1961, lawyers are bound by professional ethics and must maintain the dignity of the profession.
Engaging in real estate transactions within legal chambers could amount to professional misconduct under Section 35 of the Act, which provides for disciplinary action, including suspension or disbarment, against advocates indulging in unethical practices.
Further, such activities may also violate Bar Council of India Rules, which prohibit lawyers from engaging in business or activities unrelated to legal practice.
The ruling sends a strong message to legal professionals about maintaining the integrity of the profession. If unchecked, such unethical practices could erode public confidence in the legal system, necessitating immediate corrective measures from the judiciary and bar councils.