The Allahabad High Court has taken up a significant legal question: can a person with knowledge of law, but not enrolled as an advocate, argue in court on behalf of another? Justice Vinod Diwakar raised this issue while hearing a petition filed by engineer Vishram Singh.
Background of the Case
The matter arose from proceedings before a subordinate court where one Sheel Nidhi Jaiswal sought permission to argue on behalf of petitioner Vishram Singh. The trial court rejected the request, holding that since Singh was not a registered advocate, he could not be permitted to argue on behalf of another person.
Challenging this order, Singh approached the High Court. He described himself as an engineer engaged in construction work, claiming to have studied over a hundred judgments of the Supreme Court. He argued that his knowledge of law, coupled with his constitutional rights, entitled him to plead as a “pleader” in court.
Petitioner’s Arguments
In support of his plea, Singh invoked Article 22(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to be defended by a legal practitioner of one’s choice, and Article 227(3), relating to the High Court’s power of superintendence over subordinate courts. He sought quashing of the subordinate court’s order and permission to argue cases as a pleader.
Court’s Directions
Justice Diwakar, while hearing the matter, directed that a copy of the order be sent to the Advocate General of Uttar Pradesh and to the Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Bar Council. This was done to ensure that their views are placed on record for clarity on the issue.
The petition is now scheduled for further hearing on September 15, 2025.
