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content,
reasons, "naturalwhere of isand where principles
justicenatural import"natural Consequently,
capriciously.
fairexpress are administrative
every arrive
of The justice
7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1, fairness still fair natural
Jain A.I.R.Delhi D.K.Ltd.,State
QB. ARaistant Jain," The play required reAsonable. right play
PrinciplesManeka
633. concept At in
otherwise more. none the wider power play or at are
absence
andjustice" justice. justice" of
terms thepresent inthe
andTransport
1991
Yudav
(1993) of doctrine of quasi-judicial a of of an
GandhiJain,Bacise W.B. may if action." justice. the part
of to "natural
There doctrine of
natural However, or just equality
of action
purview essantial LEGAL
S.C. v. 3, than of should tothe inquiryaction
Administrativo V.
arrive of dilute the The are fairness fairness the person The
Principlos LMA.S.C.C.
Anwar contract be decision of
Corporution is of administrative requires Articlo ETHICS,
bias,natural
Comnmissioner
v. 101.
principles
is justice However, Courts The
Union
Industries 267. Ali
a justice"
the a
fairness of that usedexercised
doctrine the and isassuredaffected mnanner inbuilt
of
at
flexible be
authorities requires ACCOUNTABILITY
right danger fairness inter of in judiial, Article
Law, India,
Administrative
of of
v. Suru,
findings, justicerules as of doctrine exercised action. and,
judicial principles
give that 14
v.D.TC. Lsd, is
also of well. of statutory justly the th e by of
to
concept, changeably." would and of
p. Issac A.J.R. know thatvague provides
of the fairness concept and therefore, fairness much
Article exercise the 14 natural
natural
146. A.lR. Peter,Majdoor(1993) on would natural has In of quasi-iudicial
Itare or
procedure
therefore as OF
1952 the and naturaladdition fairness judicial
and quasi-judicial
is emphasis of
be LAWYERS
1978 I.aw, the the some nature. reasonablyrequired natural
14. in of justiceany
3 yet universal now
(1994)
8.C.C. 8.C. basisother have justiceflexible, certainrequires justice. of fairly in
S.C. page Congress, justice fairness The both conformity the rule rule
75; it weakness. cannot or well action &
398, 4 267. to conceptthe on adopted BENCH-BAR
the
3.C.C,
146. D.K . of does been even
party's the quasijudicial
idea The and to th e or justice power of of
Ridge 1991 records adoption thprocedural
e is Fairness the is of term
established observeinquiry
andadministrative. of the
principle8
YadaU embody
applicable. principles benotadministrative the procedure
104. Supp. inappliçable.observance
concept
According a with andmust
v. case, natural
term invoked not artehe substantive RELATTOY
Baldwin, v. those "fairness" arbitrarily both
administration the its
(1) LM.A, etc. of includes the
duty a power rule part impactonbe
8.C.C. situations the safeguards of of having justice
arbitrarily. intend of principles just, comes as of
Industries minimal Though fairness to natural to principle fairness. of natural
(1963) to notion of
Jain alter
and and bot h that and he Taut law.
600 give the the the is to
1 :
country, necessarily
influenco
unworthy allowing of observedhas :the general
therulesbecomes
determineethics himself,
unwritten 1.
1. the
highest of and friendlylegal of Meaning,
Professional
Quotod Tho spirit
discharge co-operation
of 3. Professional
Ethlcs 2. I.
thus, Code the rules Punlshment Meaning,
it
American professional
Theprofession an legal hi s
inmotive, of tothe counscl of dignity the for Duties
Other 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.
C.L. thoso of
brotherhood standards relation advocate of client, Duty Duty Duty Duty ETHICS
depends be profossional
keystone legal their fundamental lawprofession regulatingNature
Anand, incroasing
sooner between of ethics to to to toNature
who Bar with is but his for
responsibilities
ethics. the between ethics his opponent the the
colleague
General upon to
of breach
are Association of his his adversary may OF
the and
justico, Law naintain relation means cllentcourt and
or in the conduct
thlater
e
controlled for th e It client aim conduct of
the the the be SYNOPSIS Need CHAPTER IV
Principles
maintenanco subject arch has Profession,
Bench of
behaviour Need
the
LEGAL
to with defined
63)( the Committee opponent
ybserved
Bar
cstablish
to Legal Bench tho Bar. as of in
of body
of arch by
Government. to titself,
he and dignity advocate men the law
The
Legul
must
craft, the community
and the
Ethics
to
and SS-82012
SANDHU
RS-30
members ofand of as
in the a a
PROFESSION
Clhics, of that has honourable and main
Bar. ofgeneral Odo2.
securo
thcorroding
e groed Bar is is towards practising code
witnesses; to the rulos
Shrino fall. the well toChief governed
objoct of
p. of
If socure in
maintaina logal
63.
The and explainedgonorally."
legal
it bar.
is and conduct
and the
and spirit Justice governed the
of gain is of When lawyer
future
demoralising weakened
profossion thatpromotionto profession by practice
Justice the Court.
establish fair ofthe the written
or thlawyerH
e dealingsfriendly Marshall ethics atowards
of honour spocial person bywhich
pure other need Thus,
the byis and the
a of of or
IEGAL ETHICS ACCOUNTARIL ITY O LAWYERS A ACNCHAAR RELATNON
64
any onn taking to ptnrtieo nt the Par shsd heg A trreet wed
nd unrulled by the advocates and it cannot be so mAintoined. unlens the
conduct and motive
of the members of the logal profession ore whnt thoy of privilegen ns well as of tha ethieal otlignfinna f he mermhre t
lhiod Lo bo. It, therefore, becomes the plain and nimple duty of tho profension. lle ahould ha shle to distinguih hetwei rigt n4 rng t
Lanrvers to use their influenco in every logitimate wny to help nnd mokr maltors of profaanionnl condurt withost AifMesy or hoitetin Tha
a h a t it ought to be. A Codo of ethicCs is one method of fiurthernnen necesAnry fnr the 4ntinfnrtion of his rwn trunadenca, r the hnsear snf
of this end. The Committee has furthor obsorved that members of the good namo of the profesaion, fur the prtartin f tha ehent sn4 he
hor like judges, are oflicors of the Court and like judgos they ahould hold concerned in litigntinn and for tha welfara nf the geal pubtie It
lawjry
ie only during good behaviour "pod behaviour" ahould not bo n vague duty of tho Btato to protect personn not only fromn inenmpert
prdoei!
ovn It should be defined and moasured by auch ethienl atandnrda, but also from thone wh9 will disrdgard the nhtigstinns f
however high. a8 aro necossary to keep the administration of justice, pure Rorvice
trse thst
and ungullied. Such standards may be crystallized into a written code of Bir 8ivnnwnny ha# rightly observod hat it in f enursa
ertureg m thi tt
nfogsional ethics and lawyer failing to conform thercto ahould not be men nre not neceAgarily rnade morai by corsen d ar4 ten
ermitted to practise or rotain membership in professional organisntion. it must be ronombered thnt lopsos fron the traditimal tandnrd lirle
In a case,' the Suprene Court has obaerved that an advocate in due to fgnoronce and that a diffunion of knwiedye of the ruln tardard
smder an obligation to uphold the rule of law and ensure that tho public fs high
lw the profession# nust contribute to the mainten an prodosn
iustice system is enabled to function at its full potential. An advocate of integrity' The observation of the canons of legal wll, n
abould be dignified in his dealings to the court, to his fellow lawyors and doubt, raise the profesaion in the public estimatin
the litigants. He should faithfully ab1de by the standards of profossional Logal profunsion is not o businesa but a prdeaior t has teen
onnduct and etiquette preseribed by the Bar Council of India in Chapter croated by tho stats for the public gos Cunsrpentiy, the vesets d tha
II. Part VI of the Bar Council of India Rules profession lies in the throe thing of tha
Stating the need for a Code of conduct for lawyers Justice Sundaram (1) organination of ita membars fur the pertmat
Aiyar has said: function,
and thiat, r
Rules are nccessary even for the best self-interest is a misloading (2) maintenance of certain standards, itelLsetual
foctor when you have to decide on the spur of the moment what is bost tho dignity of the profesgion, ond efficient srvies
to be done in the circumstances. The fact that these are definite rules (3) 8ubordination f yecuniary yains o
and that much discretion is given to the individual will itself be an The codification of ths canons of thowhila prfonsimal ethies may re
additional source of temptation. Never adopt the standards of a business that the code in exhaustivg n reahty it eROTt t
improssion Aiysr, 1d N
profession. But after all whatever light we may scek to get from rules of oxhaustive. It has been rightly stated ty P iamunatha
formulate a ne of eyai
conduct which have been prescribed in Englond or other countries, a great Ranganatha Aiyer that it is not possible ato specific rule o be lllud
ethics which will provide the lawyer with
deal will have to be left to individual conscience. Nothing but a his professionsl lile. He has msde t e ny
cdosr
determination to err always on the safe side in cases of doubt will onable in all the varicd relationy of that these caons of an thial
a8wumed in
you to do your duty consciously. In this country it must be confessed that that it must not bo
the Bubject r to lay dw
very often petitioners are guilty of questionable conduct owing o atternpt whalwver can be made to exhaust all purposes and under ]
conduct which will be sufficient for
ignorance. They do not really know what is proper to be done in any rulos of
realised by the Bar Coureil f
particular case and as there are no rules to guide there, no Bettled sets of circumstances." This fact has been wtandards f profeivsa! condue
traditions to serve as an inspiration, each one is a law unto himself. He India. The preamble to the rules as to
and etiquette made by the Bar Councilconduct of India has made it clear hat
has further observed that it is not desirable that the lawyer's guidance and etiquette uptod 8
should be altogether under the judicial control. It would be impossible for the rules so made contain canons of not be cotatrd as
Judges to control the bar satisfactorily. Too trict a discipline on the part generul guídes and the specific mention thereof hallthough hst specificaity
a denial of the oxistenco pf other equally imperative
of the Courts is likely to unfair the independence and self-reliance of the mentioned role in the adrninistration of justice. The lawyers and dzes
members of the bar. It is all the more necessary, therefore, that there are considered the protector of justice. Because of such an ínportant roie
should bo disciplinary bodies and that the profession itself should try and by thern to lessgn tbe people's lath
legal ethics
frame rules for its guidance. Explaining the advantages of the functionary of the lawyers nothbing should be dope Bhics, p. 69.
1, CL. Anand, Ceneral Pruples of Lagul
learned C.L. Anand has stated that advocate being a public 2. See Aiyer, Professionul ELthics, Pureward.
3. C.I. Anand, General Principles of Leyal ELbic, p 30
1, 0.P Sharma v. llgh Court of Punjab & Haryunu, AIR 2011 SC 2101. 4. Legal Ethics,p 14.
2. Justice Sundaram Aiyar, Professional Elhics. 5. 1bid.
3. Ibud.
LEGAL ETHICS, ACOOUNTABILITY OF LAWYERS &BENCH-BAR RELATION
66
ETHICS OF LEGAL PROFESSION
in the honesty and intogrity of the legal profession. Initially a written Section l4. Procedure when charge of unprofossionul conduct
code of conduct did not find favour in England but later on the General is brought in subordinate Court or revenue ofice.If any muh
Council of the Bar published a Book cnntaining a complete code for the pleador or mukhtar practising in any subordinate Court or in any rovenur
guidance of the lawyers. In India the exhaustive code of conduct for office is charged in such Court or office with taking instructions except
lawyers has been provided by. the Bar Council of India in the exorcise of as aforosaid or with any such misconduet as aforesAid, the presiding officer
its rule-making power under Seotion 49(1Xc) of the Advocates Act, 1961. shall send him a copy of the chargo and also a notice that on a day to
EveD' prior to the Advocates Act, 1961, the provision for punishmont bo therein appointed, such chargo will be taken in to consideration. 8uch
for misconduct is found. Section 10 of the Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926 copy and notice shall be 8ervad upon the pleader or mukhtar at least
contained provision for the punishment for misconduct. Section 10 of the fiftoon days before the day sO appointed.
Indian Bar Council Act, 1926, contained the following provision8- On such day or on any subsequent day to which the enquiry may
(1) The High Court may, in the manner hereinafter provided,
be adjourned the presiding officer shall receive and record all evidence
reprimand, suspend or remove from practice any Advocate of the proporly producod in support of the charge or by the pleader or mukhta
High Court whom it finds guilty of professional or other misconduct. and shall proceed to adjudicato on the charge. If such officor finds the
(2) Upon receipt of a complaint made to it by any Court or by
the Bar Council or by any other person that.any such adyocate has
charge established and considors that the plender or mukhtar should be
susponded or dismissed in conscquence, ho shall record his finding and
been guilty of misconduct, the High Court shall, if it does not the grounds thereof and shall report the same to the High Courts and
summarily reject the complaint, refer the case for inquiry either to the High Court may acquit, suspend or dismiss tho pleader or mukhtar.
the Bar Council or after consultation with the Bar Council to the
Suspension pending investigation,-Any District Judge or with
Court of a District Judge (hereinafter referred to as a District Court) his sanction any Judge subordinate to him, any Judge of a Court of Smal
and may of its own motion refer any care in which it has otherwise Causes of a Presidency Town, any District Magistrate or with his sanction
reason to believe that any such Advocate has been so guilty." any Magistrate subordinate to him and any revenue authority not inferior
Besides this Legal Practitioners Act, 1879 also contained provisions io a Collector or with the Collector's sanction any Revenuo Oficer
for punishing the advocates for misconduct. The provisions of this Act subordinate to him may, ponding the investigation and the order of the
were as follows-
High Court, suspend from practice any pleader or mukhtar chargod be•ore
Section 13. Suspension and dismissal of pleaders and him or it under this section.
Mukhtars guilty of unprofessional conduct.-The High Court may Every report made to the High Court under the section shalu,
also, after such inquiry as it thinks fit, suspend or dismiss any pleader (a) when made by any Civil Judgo subordinate to the District Judge
or Mukhtar holding a certificate as aforesaid be made through such Judge;
(a) who takes instructions in any case except from the party on (b) when made by a Magistrato subordinate to the Magistrate of the
whose behalf he is retained or some person who is the District, be made through the Magistrate of the District and the
recognised agent of such party within the meaning of the Code Sessions Judge;
of Civil Procedure or some servant, relative or friend authorised (e) whon mado by the Magistrate of the District, be mado through
by the party to give such instruction8, or the Sessions Judgo;
(b) who is guilty of fraudulent or grossly improper conduct in the (d) when mado by any Revenue Officer subordinate to the Chief
discharge of his professional duty; or Controlling Rovenuo authority, be made through such Revenue
(c) who tenders, gives or consents to the retention, out of any fee authorities as tho Chief Controlling Revenue Authority may from
paid or payable to him for his service or any gratificatioD for time to time, direct.
preserving or having procured the employment in any legal Every such roport shall bo accompaniod by the opinion ot ouch Julgo,
business of himsel or any other pleader or mukhtar; Magistrate or Revenue authority through whom or which it is made.
(d) who, directly or indirectly, procures or attempts to procure the Section 15. Powor tocall for record in case of acquittal under
employment of himself as such pleader or mukhtar, through or Section 14.-The High Court, in any case in which a pleader or mukhtar
by, the intervention of, any person to whom any remuneration has beon acquitted under Section 14 otherwise than by an order ot the
for-obtaining such employment has bren given by him or agreed High Court, may call for the record and pass such order thereon as it
or promised to be 80 given, or
thinke fit.
(e) who accepts any employment in aFy legal business through a Boforo the written Codo of conduct thoro woro canons of ethies for
person who has been proclaimed as a tout under Soction 36, or
() for any other lawyers but they wore not oxhaustive. "There was much uncvrtainty as to
reasonable cause. the conduct amounting to the professional miseconduct. Otea the lawvers
ETHICS OF LEGAL PROFESSN
LEGAL ETHIS ACCOUNTAAUTY OF LAWYERS& BEMOHa4R RELATRON is requiTed to mairtain tomrds tee
2. An advocate bearing in mind thet
respectful attitudeessential for the survival fthea
committed professional misonduct on account of ignorance as to
conduct amounting to the professional mi80onduct. To remove out this
e judicial office is
This rule makes it
clear that the lomering
digye
free
uncertainty a written code of conduct was considered necessary. Section wi be a serious danger to the surrir
491 Xc) of the Advocates Act empowers the Bar Council of India to frame judicial office
community.
rules prescribing the standards of professional conduct and etiquette. ln made it cdear that no advocate shall
the exercise of this power the Bar Council of India has ramed the rules 3. The rule has Court by any illegal
as to the professional conduct and etiquette to be observed by the decision of the
prohibits the private communication th a ige resg
advocates Sections 35 and 36 of the Advocates Act makes provision in if an advocate attemp. to
relation to punishment for professional or other misconduct. pending case. Consequently,any Wegal
2. Professional Ethics the decision of a court by misconductor improper mang
amount to the professional
Section 491Xc) of the Advocates Act, 1961, empowers the Bar Council advocate to use his best efon ta
of India to make rules so as to prescribe the standards of professional 4. The rule requires the resorting io sharp
conduct and etiquette to be observed by the advocates. It has been made and prevent his cient fram
clear that such rules shall have effect only when they are approved by or from doing anything in relation to the Court, pps
the Chief Justice of India It has also been made clear that any rules or parties which the acvocate hmsett ougnt DOt to da t
the cha
made in relation to the standards of professional conduct and etiquette requires the advocate to refuse to represen:
to be observed by the advocates and in force before the commencement persists in such improper conduct The rde makes it dezr
of the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 1973, shall continue in force, until the advocate shall not consider himseii mere mouthriee f
altered or repealed or amended in accordance with the provisions of this client and shall exercise his own judgrnent in he se
Act. restrained language in correspOndence, avadting scurrle
In the exercise of the rule-making power under Section 49(1Xc) of attacks in pleadings and using intemperate languare
the Advocates Act, 1961, the Bar Council of India has made several rules arguments in the Court.
so as to prescribe the standards of professional conduct and etiquette to 6. An advocate shall appear in Cout at al times aiy in
be observed by the advocates. Chapter II of Part VI of the Rules framed prescribed dress and his appearaAnce shaii always be gresetabie
by the Bar Council of India deals with the standards of professional 6. An advocate shall not enter appeaTance, act, piead r prase
conduct and etiquette. It contains several Rules whicà lay down the in any way before a Court, Tribunal or authority mninei in
standards of professional conduct and etiquette. These Rules specify the section 30 of the AdvOcates Act, if the sale ar any memòer
duties of an advocate to the Court, client, opponent and colleagues, etc. thereof is related to the advocate as father, grand-father, son
However from the Preamble it becomes elear that these rules contain grand-son, uncle, brother, nephew, first cousin, husband
canons of conduct and etiquette adopted as general guides and the specifñic mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, father-in-law, mother-in-izR,
mention thereof should not be construed as a denial of the existence of son-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law or sister-in lau, Far
other equally imperative, though not specifically mentioned. this purpose of this rule, Court shall mean a Court, Bench
The Rules mentioned in Chapter II of Part VI of the Rules of the Tribunal in which abovementioned relation of the advocate is a
Bar Council of India may be discussed as follows Judge, Member or the Presiding Oficer.
1. Duty to the Court The provisions of Section 30 of the Advocates Act are as
The Bar Council of India has made certain rules so as to prescribe follows
duties of an advocate to the Court. Such duties may be explained as Subject to the provisions of the Advocates Act erery
follows advocate whose name is entered in the State rol shal be
1. During the presentation of the case and while acting otherwise entitled as of right to practise throughout the territories to
before the Court an advocate is required to conduct himself with which this Act extends
dignity and self-respect. An advocate shall not be servile and in (1) in al courts incuding the Supreme Court;
case of proper ground for serious complaint against a judicial (ii) before any tribunal or person legally authorised to take
officer, it is his right and duty to submit his grievance to the evidence; and
proper authoritis. The rule empowers the advocate to make (ii) before any other authority or person before whom such
complaint against a judicial officer but it should be submitted advocate is by or under any law for the time being in foree
to the proper authorities. entitled to practice.
nublie tave other than in (urt otyt h wtial
(ot mn Mreete
Inatter or has
plendinge or acted for a
drawn
plead for the
opposite party
76 LEGAL E THKCS ACOATARY Oi4EAS AAEM
ceived hom In a
act, appear
cnse' the
or
Supreme Court
lawyers will not
has
held that the
defend certain accuned
party. hall
ghould contaln that
tcOunt of a client, the entriOs in the ncconts
have been received Tor Bar As80ciation
against the orofessional ethics and
a roference ns to whether the Amounts to be
held and statute. Professional ethics, ag
of the proceeding8, no a briefhas
been
ees or expenses and during the ourse
advocato shall, excopt with the congent in writing of Lhe
constitution
that a lawyer
cannot refuse been
proviled
Court, requires his feo and lawyer is not otherwise
engaththeatged. the Thunelient,
the expenses
concerned. be at liberty to divert any portion of willing to pay Bar AsSociation in passing a resolution
towards fees.
(17) Rule 27 providos that whore any amount is received or
given action of the appear for a particular accused, whether on
must be mombers will ground that he is a me f a
policeman or on the all norm of the Augpected
constitution, tother orisgrt,omdTa
to bim on behalf of his client, the fact of such receipt
intimated to the client as early as possible. spite If the client he is a
etc. is against 2
b
of such mass urder, therefore null and void
demands the payment of such money and in
demand the advocate does not pay hinm, he will bo guilty of professional Ethics and
FlduciAry duties.--The
relation between an advocate statute
professional misconduet. It is of
confidential nature requiring a high and his
(18) Rule 28 provides that after the termination of the proceedn8
the advocate shall be at liberty to appropriate towArds the
is fiduciary.
and good faith. In VC. Rangadurai
rolation between
the
V. D. Gopalan
advocate and his
ofdegrJustiecee hdecileirtys
Sen
confidence.cihent
is hs
unexpanded out of that the trust
settled fee due to him any sum remaining observed
a highest
personal and
the amount paid or sent to him for expenses or Any amoun
that has come into his hands in that proceeding.
personal involvingshould
An advocate
not be considered merely an agent.
mere agent or servant of hiis or
purey
(19) Rule 29 provides that where the fee has been left unsettled,
the advocate can deduct out of any moneys of the client
his client.
makes it
He
clear
is more than
that an advocate shall, at
the continuance thereof,
the
commer chent.'yervant
of
Rnle l
make nallcement of hia
remaining in his hands at the termination of the proceeding fòr engagement and during client relating to his such
his connection with ull and
frank disclosure to or about the controversy as are
which he had beon engaged, the fee payable under the rules ot
the Court in force for the time being or by then settled and and any interest
in
either engaging him continuing the to
or his ikely thaffect
e parties
the balance shall be refunded to the client. client's judgment in the duty of an advocate
(20) Rule 30 makes it dear that a copy of the client's account shall that it shall be
Rule 15 provides of his client by all fair and honourable
uphold the interests Rule 22 provides that an advocate to engagement.
fearles iy
shallmeans diwirtehctoutiy,
be furnished to him on demand provided the necessary copying
charge is paid. any other.
or purchase, either in his own namne or innot,
regard to
(21) Rule 31 requires an advocate not to enter into arrangements or indirectly, bid for benefit or for the benefit of any other any other
his own
wherebyy funds in his hands are converted into loans. It makes name, for
it clear that an advocate shall not enter into arrangements property sold in the
execution of a decree or order in any
suit, person, anorry
whereby funds in his hands are converted into loans. other proceeding in which
he was in any way professionally appeal
(22) Rule 32 prohibits an advocate to lend money to his cient for an advocate from
prohibition, however, does not preventwhich his cient may
This
for or
engaged
bidding
the purpose of any action or legal proceedings in which he is client any property
the advoçate is expressly himself
purchasing for his
engaged by such cient. It provides that an advocate shall not
lend money to his client for the purpose of any action or legal
bid for or purchase, provided
writing in this behalf. Rule 24 makes it clear that an advocate shall natin authorisedlegally
proceedings in which he is engaged by such client. The do anything whereby he abused or takes advantage of the
explanation to this rule makes it cdear that an advocate shall reposed in him by his client. confidence
not be held guilty for a breach of this rule if, in the course of In the case of PD. Gupta v. Ram Murti, an advocate purchased
a pending suit or proceeding and without any arrangement with property which was subject-matter of litigation from his chent at k
the client in respect of the same, the advocates feel compelled aWay price. There was a doubt cast on the client's title to the propert
by reason of the rule of the Court to make a payment to the ond the advocate was aware of this fact. He sold the property to a thmi
Court on.account of the client for the progress of the suit or
proceodings.
(23) Rule 33 provides that an advocate who has, at any time, advised 1. A.S. Mohammed Rafi v. Slale of Tamil Nadu, AlR 2011 SC 308.
in connection with the institution of a suit appeal or other 2. Ibid.
8. AIR 1979 SC 281.
4. In the matte of Mahabat Ali Khan, AIR 1958 AP 116
1, In tho matter of PJ Ratnamn, AIR 1962 AP 201 5, AR 1998 SC 283.
IAN AION
LSGAL IHICA, ActoUNTAI ITY Or LAWYEIS A DrNH
profonsional mi4sTduct.
porson and mndo profit. Ho wAN held guilty of tho appallant ndvocnte
In Vkas Denhpande v Bar Couneil oftheIndin,'
complainants facing death
took advantago of the situntion that míarupronontation in his
4Entenco and obtained the power of attorney on Bonidos, th apellnnt
fnvour and sold the proparty of tho coTnplainants. for his gnin. T'he
advocato fraudulently appropriated the sale-procoods
profossional misconduct. The hat whrt n t a
Court held thnt he had committed a grave permanently debarred him in fizing fees the lawyers shnai
1id
Disciplinary Committee of Bar Council of India
punishment was uphold by the
Irom practising as an advocato. The procseding w
Supremne Court. The Stato Bar Council could not complete the transferred fr * ali be rnaia
the complaint was to be avoded by the lswyers raawatis r a n tie
within a period of one year and therofore 36B of the Advocates Act and self-re%pect and with his rigtt to reeve rosras vy t
to the Bar Counil of India under Section India passod sorvics und la suit, with disnte shosld te
thereupon the Disciplinary Committee of the Bar Council of and this injustice, impositisms n fraud. r a
the eforosaid order for perhanontly debarring him from practice Cartr' has statud hat in fizzing the fas
fzir s
order was found proper by thé Supreme- Court. appointed time used and the kill esnplorged, the
aTPITt trd s .
In Haish Chand Slngh v. S.N. Tripathi, a senior advocate case. He fn iuas err
the gervÍces as welI as the cuatSary harze cher that
try
consolidation y iaye
his own junioT As mukhtar of complainant incomplainant's property in lav/yerg in general practicCe He baz maie t
misguided his junior and tried to dispose of cares for hig reputation nld prefer to redee bis charza r t r
guilty of
favour of his own father. The senior advocate was heldtwo years. engage in litigation fT their collecti
professional misconduct. He was suspended from practice for C.L Anand has abiy s D e i up the
maters be aim
Hoffman has stated
and consideration in fizing he arnount f fee thee are s iolsw
"To my cient I will be faithful; and in their causes zealousdo 8o; G) The qualification and standing the adveate vh K
industrious. Those who can afford to compensate me, mast meang render profesional Bervice. It is eident that a r er e r
client's
but I shall never close my ear or heart because my by a persoa of guperio dxatoa and r xerce s
causes, are of all
Are low. Those who have none and who have just shall receive to be moTe valuable and f tette gualty thao be t r a
others, the best entitled to sue or be defended; and they by a person who is leas quahfed
a due portion of my services, cheerfully given." (ii) The difficulty of the problem invoived in the case
In Prahlad Saran Gupta v. Bar Council of India, certain amount
connection with the intricate the case, the reater will be he degree t
was deposited with the advocate for decree-holder innegotiation between amount of labour required
settlement in -execution proceedings under
(iüi) The amount of time reguired to render
profesatal e
fructified and
decree-holder and judgment-debtor. The settlement was not the advocate (iv) The amount involved ia he suit
property of the judgment-debtor was auctioned but
the thus, did not return the (v) Tbe renult expected to be accoTmpiiahed 2s à cosetece
retained the money deposited with him and,judgment-debtor. The Court lawyer's exertion.
amount either to the decree-holder -or to the returning the amount either (vi) The customary changes of the Bar fo ch servce
held that the action of the advocate in not retaining the same Actualy there is no hard and fast rule as to tte fixato t e í
to the decreo-holder or to the judgment-debtor and of the professional 2nd the cheni I
with himself was not in consonance with the standardsadvocate was taken It depends on the agreenent between the isadvacate
enttled t neaD
absence of such agreement an advOcate
ethics expected from an advocate. The conduct of the the basis ´of the quantum meruii rule. If tbe fee payabie o n
as professional misconduct.
Advocate's Fee Fixation of fee The rules framed by the Bar paid he may file suit for its recoveery o avod the ontversy e
advocates advocates should settle the fee at the ume of engagement Itwd e
Council of India do not prescribe the fee to be clainmed by the reuce
for their professional services and it has been left to be
settled by the better if the exact terms of the cor.tract reating to the fee
anCJ
private agreements. However Rules 11 and 38 are notable. Rule 11 into writing. In the case of Ranu Sngt ln e Sulata
1. AIR 2003 S.C. 308 observed :
2. AIR 1997 8C 879. "It would increase the dnnty of the protessoa as
a, Rerol ution XVUL 1, Carter. ) N, BAacs of Ld fes p s6
4. lbid
5. AIR 1997 SC 1338
2. In re Ranut Singh. AIR 1936 AL 359
purity of a ommen ractice gew up mdor which oxact terms of the aro payahle or not to the alvuoate cannot be decded in proeendings flent
ntrat of ongrmnt of counsol woro rduced into writing hy client elaiming return of his papers or Alee However the auwate
preferably sined hy the ient and maintained in tho Advocatey may roeort to logal romedies for unpaid foe or ramuneratian han been
offiee. Sueh a ontract would make it impwaible for any disputo or held that the dispute egaring foex in a as to ba dechted tn an
misapprehension to arise in futuro. nppropriate procveding in the Court
Rulo $S framed by the Bar Couneil of ndin, with tho oljet to An advecnto has fduciary ralation with his client and oeupies a
povent unhealthy ompetition, prvides that an advocato shall not Cept
n foo les than the foe
|oaition of trustee with regand to the money of his client whieh ames in
taxable under the rules when tho client is able his posseion. Thus, an advoente is troated a n truateneadvonate
in relatin to
to pay the same. his client's money which comes in hia ponAONsion IÀ an refue
Contingent fee.-The fee depending upon the succes8 of the suit or to givo the client the money received for him he will be hoid auilty of
procoeding (0.e., contingont fee) is regarded ns against the publie policy. pofosaional misconduet. In a case the Court has held that if an advveate
The ngreement for contingnt foe is hit by Section 23 of the Indian retains. the client'% money in spite of demnand he will be gulty of
Contract Act Rule 9 framed by the Bar Council of Indiu exprossly misconduct. In another enso an advocnte lent money of hua client to his
provides that an advocate should not uct or plead in any matter in whieh relative in distres for ahort period and aubaequontly made good the
he is hinmsell be pocuniarily interested. Besides rule 20 makes it clear money to his client but not in time He waa held uilty of profeasienal
that an advocato shall not stipulate for a feo contingent on the result of uisconduct. In the case ot J.S. Jadhav Mustafa HM Misnf an
litigation or agree to share the procoeds thervof. In such condition an ndvocate withdrew cortain amount on behalf of his elient rom the Court
advocate cannot be expected to act with sense of dotachment or oljectivity. Receiver but did not pay the whole amount to the client He was bet
In such condition an advocate makes himsclf as a client in tho gurb of guilty of profossional misconduct Certain Rules made by the Bar Caunal
an ndvocate. Such an arroement, thus, dogrades the honourable legal of India are here notable. Rule 23 provides that an advxate ahall not
profession On this i8sue the canon of the profossional ethics of American ujust fee payable to hin by his client aginst his own peronal iability
Bar Association provides that a contract for contingent feo, whero to the cliont which liability does not arise in the course of his onpluymeat
sanctioned by law, should bo roasonable under all the cireumstancos of as an advocato. Rules 26 makes it elear that the advocate shoukd keep
the case including the risk and uncertainty of the componaation, but accounts of the client's money entrusted to him and the aeounta should
should nlways be subject to tho supervision of a court, as to ita show the umounts recoived firom the client or on his behalt, the expenses
reasonablencss. Howover, anothor cunon malkes it clear that the luwyor incurred for him and the debits made on acwnt of feos with rowpotive
should not purchase any interost in tho subjoct-mattor of tho litigation dates aud all other necossary particulars. Rle 26 pruvides that where
which he is conducting. In England an agroement for contingont foe is moneys aro received fhom or on account of a client, he entries tt the
not valid. uCOunte should contain a roferenco as to whether the anounts have been
The agroement for contingont foe is looked upon with dislavour; und received for fees o oxpensos and during the course of the pnxeedings,
later as inconsistont with the high ideals at tho Bar:? n0 ndvocate shall, exceptwith the cousent in writing of the cient
conconod, be at liberty to divert any portion of the expenses towards
Right of lien. toos. Rule 27 iuposOs another duty on the adocates It provides that
In the casce of RD. Sasena v Balrum Prasad Sharma the Supremo where any umount is rocoivod or given to hum on behalt of his client, the
Court has hold that an advocate cannot claim lien over the litigation liloe fact of such rocipt nuust bo intimated tw the chent as early as pable
entrusted to hin for his foos. The Court has held that no profossional Rule 28 lays down that aftor the tormination of the proceedng tàe
can be given the right to withhold the returnablo rocords relating to the udvocate shall bo at liborty to appropriate towands the settled fe due tw
work done by him with his client's matter on the atrength of uny clainm him any sum romaining unexpended, out of the amount pad or sent to
for unpaid remuneration. The akernative is that tho profoasional Ihim for eNpensos or any anmount that has come in his hands n that
concerned can rosort to othor logal ronedios.for such unpaid remuneration. proceeding. According to Rule 29 where the tee has beon left unseltled.
In New India Assurance Co. Ltd v A.K. Saxena, tho Suprono Court the advocato shall be entitled to detail, out of any moneys of the chent
has mado it clear that advocato has no lien over tho papora of their eliont. romaining in his hands, at the termination of the proceeding ôùr which
Thereforo, the advocate cannot rotuin flos of his olient on tho ground ho had been engaged, the tee payablo undor tho rules of the Court it
that bis fee has not been paid by him. The quastion A8 to whethor foos
force for the tiue being or by their sottlod and the balance, if any. ahal
1. ln the matter of an Adncule, 4 Cul LJ 260, ln re Bhundara, 9 Jon JLR 102 1, n An wlvocale, AlR 1961 Kor 00
2. CL. Anand, General Princples of Legul Shtes, p 160. 2, bid.
3. AR 2000 8C 2912.
4, A.I R. 2004 S.0 311.
8, In r NK 8eu, AlIR lb02 Cal 551
4, AR I009 80 1335
t0AI FTHCA, ACLOUNIARHDTY OF LAWYEHN AAENCH HA WATNON
ol
be rofndod to the oliont. An Rule 80 providen n epy of the noeount
neeasary
the olient ahall be urniahed to him on temand providud the
Advocnta to enter nto
copying ubargoa in paid. Rule 1 prohibita nn converted
Arrangementa whereby unda in hin handa nre into lonna 14
providen that nn ndvoeatd mhall not nte into arrangementa whereby
funds in hia handa Are converted into loana given ht na nthers
Rulo 32 prohibita An ndvoonta to lond money to hle ellent for the
purpone of nny nction or lngal procnedingn in which he ta it engngerl by aueh the s*ne s t Mi s trsme
elenr that an npoelte pnrty In eueerent prslhng in w r t e hs han
cliont. However, the explanation to the rule makon by the Bar CoHnel rf lndia mmees it lenr tht an
ndvocnto ahall not be held guflty far brench of thia rulo, if, In tho eourna nrlvised in enneetin with the institun f t
nny time,
with the shnil st et
of a pending wuit or procoeding and without any arrangemont other mnaltor or hoe drawn plearlinge r srtert r a perty,
client in rmapect of the nAmo, the ndvoonto foela compelled by ronson thaof nppour ot ploal, frr the oppite party The hasin f thia ruis ibetst
*prfNr* t
tho rulo of the Court to make a payment to the oourt on ncoounts of ho this that thera in likelihnn t a i i t y f minss f ths
client for the progrown of the ault or procoodings. tnguturat
glven to him by hia for mer eient In the rase f VC
Prohibltion nm to appoaranco for oppOnite party and uso of (Inpalan, the ureme Court hns held that in rase an stste
finde thhrt
informntion to the dotriment of tho cllont.Tho rolatlon botwaon tho Lhore will be conflict of interast in aking Hp s f is tiet., i
advocate and his clients in of trunt. ond confidence, It. ta tho duty of an nhould handoyor tho trief to hus lient and shetled nt nand e
ndvoonto not to use the infornntion obtained by him an ndvocnto to tho nnother to tnke his plaes
detrimont of tho cliont. This duty continues oven aflor tho rolatlon of hrief fr the
ia tho duty of an advocate not to In tlhg caso of Gurubauppr an sdvnrnte aeeeptet the
advocato And cliont has oonsod. It plnintiff nnd yponrnd nt tho intial atage and theroafer n
tho
disclose the inform ationa communicntod o him by his cliont. If tho Govornmont plendor on hohnlf f the #ata whh wus s ciefeniast the
dinclosure of such informations is allowed, the clionta would not diuclos Ault. He waa hsld gullty of pronfensional miseonduct
their seorets to thoir advocatos and the advocatos would not be able to
discharge thoir functions properly. Tho cliont's communicationsEvidonco
to the In the caao of Channlra Sehhar Sonu, the Suprene Cmsrt haa
obaorved that an advocats may ehanyo nide if ozprens cons4er1t tsv try
advocates have beon protoctod undor soction 126 of the Indian
Act. From Section 126 it evident that an advocato is not permitted, all concorned nftor n full disclosure of tha facts In this case ths Snyrehe
unlesa with his cliont's express consent, to disclose any communication Court has hold that, it is not in scrdance with profeasional iquettu
made to him in the course and for the purposo of his employment as for an advocate whilo retained by one party o accept the trief f the
such advocate, by or on bohalf of his client or atato tho contents or other. t is unprofessional tu repressnt ennflct1ng ntrrest xEt y
condition of any document with which he has become acquainted in the 0xpresa consent given by all concerned after a full disclsure of the iacts
On this i9sue the canons of the American Bar AaMeaton ia alan
course and for purposos of his professional omployment or to disclose any
advice given by him to his cliont in tho courso and for the purpose of notable. Ono of tho canons provides that it is the chuty of a lawyer t
such employment. However, the proviso to Soction 126 provides that the time of retainer to discloso to th9 client all the ircnmstances of hia
nothing in this section sh¡ll protect from disclosure rolations to tho partios and any interest in or in connection with the
(1) any Buch communication made in furtherance of any illegal controversy which might influence the client in the eietinn of uns
purpose,
It makes it clear that it is unprofossional to represent conflicting intereats
(2) any fact observed by any barrister, pleader, attorngy or vakil, oKcept by express consent of all concerned given after a full dasciovure of
in the course of his employment as such howing that any crimo tho facts. The lawyer is under duty to represent the client with undivided
or fraud has been committed since the commencement of his fidelity and not to divulgo his socruts or confidencos. He is forbdden ziso
omployment. Section 126 makes it clear that it is immaterial the subsequent accaptance of retainer or omployment fromn others n
whether the attention of such barrister, pleader, attorney or matters advorsely affecting any interest of the client with reapect to wheh
vakil was not directed to Buch fact by or on behalf of his client. confidenco has been reposed. The another canon of tka American Bar
From the Explanation to Section 126 it is evident that the Association providos that a lawyor should not in any way communcate
obligation stated in this söction continues after the employment 1. Soo Stale v. lallt Mohan Nunda, AlR 1961 Oriss* 1
has coased. The object of this provision is that there should be 2. AIR 1979 9C 281.
3, AIR 1964 AP 261.
absolute confidence between the client and his advocato and this 4. AIR 1983 SC 1612
should be protected. Section 129 of the Indian Evidenco Act 5. AIR 1983 8C 1012.
ETHICS OF LEGAL PROFESSION
84 LEGAL ETHICS, ACCOUNTABILITY OF LAWYERS &BENCHBAR RELATION
interview not unwarranted by personal relations, furnishing or inspiring
upon the subject of controversy with a party roprosonted by counsel, much published in
less should he undertake to negotinte or compromise newspaper, comments or producing his photograph to beconcerned. The
the matter with him connection with case in which he has been engaged or
but should deal only with his counsel. It is incumbent sign-board
upon the lawyer
most particularly to avoid evorything that may tend to mislead Bign-board or name-plate should be of a reasonable size. ThePresident or
he is or has been
not represented by counsel and he should not undertake to advise a party or stationary should not indicate that he has been
as to the law.
him Member of a Bar Council or of any Association or that
any particular cause
associated with any person or organisation or with
Canon 37 of the American Bar Association provides that it is the any particular type of work or that
duty of a lawyer to preserve his client's confidence. This duty outlasts the or matter or that he specialises in
he has been a Judge or an Advocate-General.
lawyer's employment and extends as well to his employees and neither of clear that this Rule (Le.
them should accept employments which involves or may involve the By inserting a proviso it has been made
advocates furnishing website
Rule 36)) will not stand in the way of
disclosure or use of these confidence, either for the private advantage of to and as
information as prescribed in the Schedule under intimationinput in the
the lawyer or his employees or to the disadvantage of the client Bar Council of India. Any additional other
his knowledge and consent and even though there are without approved by the
of India will be deemed to
other available particulars than approved by the Bar Councilsuch advocates are liable to
sources of such information. A lawyer should not be violation of this Rule (i.e. Rule
36) and
when he discovers that this obligation prevents thecontinue employment be proceeded with misconduct under Section 35 of the Advocate Act, 1961.
full duty to his former or to his new client. The canon performance of his
makes it Schedule
that if a lawyer is falsely accused by his client, he is not precluded clear
from
disclosing the truth in respect to the accusation. The announced intention
of a client to commit a crime is not included within the confidences which 1. Name
he is bound to respect. He can make such
disclosures as may be nmecessary |2. Address
to prevent the act or protect thOse against whom it is threatened. Telephone Numbers
3. Duty to opponent E-mäil ID
Rules 34 and 35 framed by the Bar Council of India contain (a) Enrolment Number
3
provisions as to the duties of an advocate to the opponent. Rule 34 (b) Date of Enrolment
provides that an advocate shall not in any way communicate or negotiate Council
upon the subject-matter of controversy with any party represented by an (c) Name of State Bar
where originally enrolled
advocate except through that advocate. Rule 35 provides that an advocate
Council on
shall do his best to carry out all legitimate promises made to the opposito (d) Name of State Bar
whose roll name stands
party even though not reduced to writing or enforceable under the rules
of the Court. currontly
Association
It is the duty of an advocate not to engage in discussion or argument (e) Name of the Bar
Advocate is
about the subject of the dispute with the opposite party without notice to of which the
his counsel. Resolution 43 of Hoffman provides - Member
"I will never enter into any conversation with my opponent's Professional and Academic
4.
client relative to his claim or defence, except with the consent and Qualification.
in the presence of his counsel." Civil,
Canon 9 of the American Bar Association is also notable. It provides 5. Areas of Practice (e.g.
Criminal, Taxation, Labour ote.).
that a lawyer should not in any way communicate upon the subject of
controversy with a party represented by counsel; much les8 should he (Name & Signature)
undertake to negotiate or compromise the matter with him, but should
Declaration
deal only with his counsel.
information givon is truo.
4. Duty to the colleagues I, horeby, declare that tho
Rules 36, 37, 38 and 39 framed by the Bar Council of India deal (Name & Signatur:)
with the dutios of an advocate to the colloagues. Rule 36 providos that because it my lead to
unhoalty
an advocate shall not 8olicit work or advertise (either diroctly or indiroctly) Tho advortising is prohibitod
whether by circulars, advertisements, touts, porsonal communications
LFGAL ETHICS, ACCOINTAAMITY Or AWYEs ABENCH BAR AELATION