In a significant move to ensure accountability and professional integrity within the legal community, the Ranchi Bar Association has decided that clients must obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) before changing their advocating lawyers in ongoing cases. This decision aims to address the growing concerns over unregulated changes of legal representation, which can potentially disrupt case proceedings and client interests.
Sanjay Kumar Vidrohi, the General Secretary of the Ranchi Bar Association, explained that similar to the practices in the Jharkhand High Court, where no lawyer can represent a case without an NOC, the civil courts in Ranchi will now enforce the same regulation. This measure is taken after multiple complaints were lodged regarding lawyers being changed without proper documentation in civil courts, leading to procedural complications and legal inconsistencies.
The rule mandates that a lawyer must provide an NOC if a client wishes to appoint another advocate. If a lawyer refuses to issue an NOC, and a complaint is filed against this refusal, the association’s committee will make an immediate decision on the matter. Further, lawyers who persistently fail to comply with this rule will face penalties, including exclusion from welfare schemes and possibly being barred from practicing in certain jurisdictions.
Additionally, if an advocate takes on a case without an NOC, this action must be reported to the State Bar Council, potentially leading to disciplinary measures. The association is determined to maintain professional conduct standards and ensure that all legal representatives in the Ranchi jurisdiction adhere to these guidelines.
