SARDUL SINGH versus PRITAM SINGH AND ORS.

SARDUL SINGH versus PRITAM SINGH AND ORS.

Misconduct by the respondent was grave, involving multiple instances of practicing during suspension using a different name and concealing material facts at the time of enrolment. The Bar Council of India was justified in imposing a three-year suspension, and the review order reducing punishment was unsustainable.

Parties
Appellant/complainant: Sardul Singh; Respondent/advocate: Pritam Singh
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
18 March 1999
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appeal From Bar Council of India Disciplinary Proceedings; Decision on Review Order
Outcome
Appeal allowed; review order set aside; original suspension order restored
Legal Topics
Advocate Misconduct, Disciplinary Proceedings, Professional Ethics, Punishment for Misconduct
Legal Profession Advocate Misconduct Disciplinary Proceedings Professional Ethics Punishment for Misconduct

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Legal principles 2 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Sardul Singh

Appellant/complainant

Pritam Singh

Respondent/advocate

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal From Bar Council of India Disciplinary Proceedings; Decision on Review Order

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the respondent was guilty of professional misconduct by practicing during suspension and by concealing an earlier criminal conviction at the time of enrolment
  2. 2 Whether the disciplinary authorities erred in treating the breaches as a solitary act and in reducing the punishment

Ratio Decidendi

Misconduct by the respondent was grave, involving multiple instances of practicing during suspension using a different name and concealing material facts at the time of enrolment. The Bar Council of India was justified in imposing a three-year suspension, and the review order reducing punishment was unsustainable.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; review order set aside; original suspension order restored

Orders

  • Bar Council of India's review order dated 27.4.92 is set aside.
  • Order of Bar Council of India dated 4.10.91 suspending respondent for three years is restored.