Delhi bar council mulls action as per Advocates Act on Prashant Bhushan, issues show cause notice

New Delhi: The Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) has issued a show cause notice to advocate Prashant Bhushan, so as to why action under section 24A and section 35 of the Advocates’ Act will not be proceeded against him. 

The BCD has taken cognisance of the two controversial tweets by advocate Bhushan on the Supreme Court and his conviction in the suo motu contempt petition by the Supreme Court, holding him guilty of criminal contempt of the court.

Through the notice it has been asked that Bhushan appear in person or through an authorised advocate on October 23 at 4 pm in the office of the BCD. 

According to the notice, if Bhushan opted for virtual hearing, the same will be provided to him.

Moreover, he is also required to send his response to the council within 15 days as to why proceedings under section 24A and 35 of the Advocates’ Act be not initiated against him in view of the tweets in question and the conviction under suo motu contempt petition by the Supreme Court of India.

Further, the proceedings will be conducted ex-parte against Bhushan in case he did not appear before the council and no response is received within the stipulated time.

Section 24A of the Advocates Act, 1961, disqualifies a person from being enrolled as an advocate on a conviction for an offence involving moral turpitude. Section 35 of the same act provides for disciplinary proceedings against an advocate for professional or other misconduct, which may result in reprimand, suspension from practice or even removal from the rolls of the concerned bar council.

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The Supreme Court had held Bhushan guilty of contempt of court for his tweets against the court and the Chief Justices of India. On August 31, the court sentenced him to pay a fine of One Rupee.

Read the Notice here;

-India Legal Bureau