![[Legacy of a Legal Icon] Former SC Judge Justice M. Jagannadha Rao Passes Away](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG-4-1.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today, On 25th November, Justice M. Jagannadha Rao, a former Supreme Court judge, passed away on November 25 at the age of 88. Renowned for his contributions to legal reforms in India, he was the father of current Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao. His career included pivotal roles in several High Courts and the Law Commissions.
On Monday(28th Oct), Justice KS Puttaswamy, a pivotal figure in India’s legal history, passed away at 98. He challenged the Aadhaar scheme’s constitutionality in 2012, leading to a landmark Supreme Court ruling recognizing privacy as a fundamental right. His contributions shaped the discourse on privacy, surveillance, and data protection in India.
Between 2019 and October 2024, the Bar Council of India (BCI) removed 107 fake advocates from Delhi’s Roll of Advocates to maintain legal integrity. Strengthened by a June 2023 amendment to Rule 32, BCI’s systematic verification process targets fraudulent enrollments and forged certificates, urging State Bar Councils to conduct thorough investigations before accepting voluntary surrenders by non-compliant advocates.
Yesterday, On 26th October, the Supreme Court stayed the Allahabad High Court’s Rs.1 lakh fine on advocate Mehmood Pracha, accused of “forum shopping” and inappropriate attire while self-representing. This stay offers temporary relief as the Supreme Court reviews the High Court’s decision, questioning the penalty’s validity and the remarks against Pracha.
Supreme Court advocate Vineet Jindal has written to Attorney General R Venkataramani, seeking consent to initiate contempt proceedings against Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav and Congress leader Udit Raj for derogatory remarks about CJI DY Chandrachud. Jindal argues that their comments undermine the dignity of the judiciary and could encourage reckless allegations against judges, threatening the integrity of the judicial system.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) Today (Oct 15) issued new guidelines recommending a minimum stipend for junior advocates assisting senior advocates, law firms and independent practitioners. It also noted that senior advocates and firms in smaller towns or less lucrative fields may not have the financial resources to provide substantial stipends. Therefore, while the guidelines are encouraged, they are not enforced as mandatory across the profession.
Today, On 27th September, the Supreme Court fined Advocate Charanjeet Singh Chanderpal Rs.1 lakh for filing a frivolous contempt plea against the Bar Council of India regarding delayed complaints. The court found his arguments weak and emphasized the need for the BCI to expedite complaint resolutions to maintain legal profession integrity.
The Calcutta High Court dismissed a PIL seeking lawyer protection law enforcement, stating its role is to interpret the law, not create it. It directed petitioners to approach the State and urged the State Bar Council to present views to the government for appropriate legislation. CCTV installation and complaint registration were also discussed.
The Kerala High Court convicted sub-inspector VR Rineesh for contempt of court, sentencing him to two months in jail, suspended for a year. The ruling aimed to deter police personnel from disrespecting legal professionals. Despite an apology, the court questioned its sincerity and emphasized the need for immediate and genuine remorse. The case has prompted calls for a fast-track mechanism to address police misconduct.
The Madras High Court said that lawyers enjoy a particular status in society and, therefore, are expected to display good conduct both inside and outside the court premises. A Bench of Justices SM Subramaniam and SV Sivagnanam directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to take action against a lawyer accused of having forged a rent agreement.