The Bar Council of Delhi on Tuesday suspended the licence of Advocate Vikas Bharti, who allegedly indulged in a fight with litigants during the hearing of a case in the Dwarka court.
A statement issued by Col (Retd.) Arun Sharma, Secretary of the Council said that it has taken suo motu cognisance of a viral video, in which Bharti was seen hitting and assaulting another Advocate.
Calling the incident as shocking and highly deplorable, the statement said the Chairman of Bar Council of Delhi, vide his special power vested in him under Rule 42, Chapter- IV of the Bar Council of Delhi Rules, has suspended the licence of Bharti to practice as an Advocate with immediate effect.
It further summoned the lawyer to submit a written explanation and appear before the Bar Council of Delhi on March 17 in connection with the matter.
In case the Advocate failed to appear before the Council, ex-parte action would be initiated against him, as deemed appropriate in accordance with law, it added.
Unruly scenes were witnessed in Dwarka court on Monday as lawyers and litigants of opposite parties indulged in a fight, during the hearing of a case.
According to Delhi Police, the court staff and a woman involved in the case reported the matter to them, after which they registered cross-FIRs in the matter on Monday and initiated investigation.
A video of the incident was uploaded on social media on Tuesday, wherein a lawyer could purportedly be seen in the video slapping a man while the two were fighting. Another lawyer was seen slapping another man, amid lawyers and security staff. Some Advocates were seen trying to intervene in the matter.
Police said a woman alleged that she was assaulted by a group of persons (lawyers) inside the Dwarka court. She and her brother said they had come to attend a court matter. The other party also alleged that they were beaten up by the lady and her brother. Cross cases have been registered in the matter, it added.
Both the lawyers and the woman’s family members were sent for medical examination at the hospital. Police said both parties have previously lodged cases against each other.
Police said the two parties were involved in other cases also, including civil matters.