Kerala Bar Council Seeks Response From Advocate Mathew Kuzhalnadan For Allegedly Running Business In Violation Of BCI Rules

The Bar Council of Kerala has sought an explanation from Advocate Mathew A. Kuzhalnadan in the complaint alleging violation of the Bar Council of India Rules for running a business while carrying on his professional practice. 

The complaint filed by the Secretary of All India Lawyers Union, Advocate Sajeev C.K., alleges that Kuzhalnadan has been running a resort, namely, 'Captain's Bungalow' in Chinnakanal Panchayat and that the Panchayat has also issued a license for the same. 

The complainant avers that as per Rule 47 of the BCI Rules, "an advocate shall not personally engage in any business; but maybe a sleeping partner in a firm doing business provided that in the opinion of the appropriate State Bar Council, the nature of the business is not inconsistent with the dignity of the profession". 

The complainant claims that the license for the resort had not been obtained by Kuzhalnadan in the name of a partnership, and would thus amount to 'professional misconduct'. 

The State Bar Council has thus issued a notice in the matter directing Kuzhalnadan to provide an explanation within 14 days.