Case Title: Nand Kishor Gupta v. The State of Jharkhand
Bench: Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi
Citation: W.P.(Cr.) No. 425 of 2021
Lawyer Uses Enrolment Number of Another Lawyer in Filing Vakalatnama
The Jharkhand HC on Wednesday observed that in filing the vakalatnama interpolation has been made by the counsel appearing for the petitioner.
The bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi referred the matter to the Bar Council of India as well as the Jharkhand State Bar Council who will enquire into the matter.
In this case, Mr. Rishi Chandan, who is a practising lawyer of Jharkhand HC pointed out that his senior is Mr. Rajiv Lochan and his Enrolment Number has been used in filing valalatnama. It was submitted that the spelling of the name of his senior is Rajiv Lochan whereas the spelling of this advocate is Rajeev Lochan.
Mr. Jagdeesh, submitted that Rajeev Lochan who is arguing this matter sent vakalatnama in which Enrolment No. is 3325/2000 disclosed and he has filed the vakalatnama as it is he received. The entire document has been sent by Rajeev Lochan from Delhi.
High Court observed that it appears that in filing this vakalatnama interpolation has been made by the counsel appearing for the petitioner namely, Rajeev Lochan.
The bench referred the matter to the Bar Council of India as well as the Jharkhand State Bar Council who will enquire into the matter.
High Court found that “This practice is looms large in the entire country. The concern has been shown by the Hon’ble Supreme Court as well as High Courts. In one of the matters, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has directed the Bar Council of India to find out fake lawyers and probably the Bar Council of India has taken certain steps pursuant to the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.”
In view of the above, High Court directed the Bar Council of India and Jharkhand State Bar Council to look into the matter and submit a report to the Court within four weeks.
High Court listed the matter on 19.09.2022.