The Bar Council of India, which is the apex statutory body regulating/supervising the enrollment and conduct of Advocates in the Country, has in its General Council meeting dated 03.09.2020 by means of Video-Conference under Item No.427/2020 had discussed and deliberated upon the Judgment dated 14th August, 2020 and 31st August, 2020 delivered by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in “Court of its own motion versus Prashant Bhushan (Suo Moto Contempt Petition (Crl.) No.1 of 2020)” holding Shri Prashant Bhushan, Advocate, guilty of criminal contempt of court.
The Council is of the view that the tweets and statements made by Shri Prashant Bhushan, Advocate and the Judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India needs thorough study and examination by the Bar Council in the light of the statutory duties, powers and functions conferred on it under the Advocates’ Act, 1961 and the rules framed thereunder, particularly, Section-24A and Section-35 of the Advocates Act, 1961 and Chapter-II, Part-VI of Bar Council of India Rules.
The press release issued by the BCI says that the General Council of the Bar Council of India has unanimously resolved to direct the Bar Council of Delhi, where Shri Prashant Bhushan is enrolled as an Advocate, to examine the matter and proceed as per law and rules to decide the same as expeditiously as possible.
The aforementioned action of Bar Council of India is in the wake of order of Supreme Court holding Prashant Bhsuhan, Advocate guilty of Criminal Contempt of the Supreme Court and has been awarded with the punishment of Rs.1 or in default of payment 3 months of Imprisonment and debarment from practice.
The Bar Council of India and State Bar Councils have statutory obligation under Advocates Act 1961 to maintain discipline and look after the conduct of Advocates in the Country.
On 14.08.2020 the Supreme Court held Prashant Bhushan guilty of Criminal Contempt of Court [Read Full Story Here] and thereafter he has been punished for the contempt with fine of Rs.1 or in default of payment 3 months of Imprisonment and debarment from practice. [READ FULL STORY HERE]
