In Brief
An advocate (Gohil) challenged a Bar Council of India (BCI) order remanding disciplinary proceedings back to the State Bar Council of Gujarat. The proceedings were automatically transferred to the BCI under Section 36B(1) of the Advocates Act because the State Bar Council failed to conclude them within one year. The Supreme Court held that once transferred by operation of law, the BCI must decide disciplinary cases on their merits, not remand them. The distinction exists between appellate jurisdiction (where remand is permissible) and original jurisdiction (where decision on merits is mandatory). The Court emphasized the statutory duty of timely disposal and the noble character of the legal profession, remanding the matter to the BCI for final adjudication within three months.
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