BCI Issues Show Cause Notice Of Suspension To Ghaziabad Bar Association's President Over Attack On Sr Adv Gaurav Bhatia

The Bar Council of India has issued show cause notices to the President and General Secretary of the Ghaziabad Bar Association for the alleged attack on senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia, during lawyers strike at the Guatam Budh Nagar District & Sessions Court yesterday.

Bhatia was at the said Court to appear in an urgent bail matter but was not allowed to enter due to the ongoing boycott of court by the local lawyers. It is alleged that he and a woman lawyer were manhandled and one of the a junior lawyers even snatched Bhatia's band.

Bhatia then called the BCI Chairman and informed him of the incident.

BCI has asked the Bar Association's President and the General Secretary to explain by March 27, why their license to practice should not be suspended.

“Prima facie, it is a case of gross professional misconduct. Such conduct not only undermines the integrity of the legal profession but also obstructs the administration of justice. Advocates are obligated to maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct. Any behaviour deviating from these standards is subject to disciplinary action. The office bearers of the Bar Association are liable to be proceeded under the relevant provisions of the Advocates Act,” BCI said.

BCI will hear the Bar Association's office bearers on 28th March at 2pm through hybrid mode. Bhatia has also been requested to participate in the proceedings.

Notably, the Supreme Court has also taken a suo motu cognisance of the incident and directed the concerned District Judge to ensure the CCTV footage of the incident is in safe custody pending further orders.

Click Here To Read The Bar Council's Decision