In Brief
An advocate filed a disciplinary complaint against a neighbouring lawyer for alleged fraud, blackmail, and misuse of the complainant's documents to file false criminal cases. The State Bar Council's Disciplinary Committee ordered the respondent's removal from the advocate roll. On appeal, the Bar Council of India set aside this order, finding that the inquiry continued beyond the mandatory one-year period under the Advocates Act and was marred by procedural irregularities. The Supreme Court upheld the Bar Council of India's decision, holding that the statutory time limit was violated and that serious procedural defects—including potential single-member inquiry and denial of fair hearing—justified setting aside the disciplinary order. The Court directed quashing of any pending criminal cases filed by the respondent against the complainants.
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