The Madras High Court has ordered a CBCID investigation into an alleged fake law firm, JMI Law Associates, run by non-lawyers in Tamil Nadu. The directive came in a judgment in C.R.P. No. 443 of 2025, titled Kamalesh Chandrasekaran v. M.A. Noor Jehan Beevi, delivered by Justice A.D. Jagadish Chandira. The court expressed serious concerns over unauthorized legal practice and professional misconduct by certain advocates involved in the case.
Background of the Case
The case involved a disputed property in Mylapore, Chennai, where respondents 1 to 3 owned land that had been encroached upon for several years. A purported sale agreement was entered into between the second respondent and Kamalesh Chandrasekaran, the petitioner, an associate of one Jamal Mohammed Ibrahim, who claimed to be a real estate investor. The sale agreement, however, was not honored, leading to multiple legal proceedings.
Further investigations revealed that JMI Law Associates, founded by Jamal Mohammed Ibrahim, was functioning as a law firm without proper authorization. Several complaints were raised regarding its involvement in land disputes and financial transactions under the guise of legal representation. Advocate Ms. Preethi Baskar, initially representing the respondents, later switched to representing the petitioner, raising concerns of conflict of interest and ethical violations.
Key Legal Issues
- Unauthorized Legal Practice: The court noted that JMI Law Associates was not a registered legal entity and was allegedly run by a non-lawyer, violating legal ethics and professional standards.
- Professional Misconduct: Advocate Ms. Preethi Baskar was accused of misusing her position, engaging in forum shopping, and manipulating court proceedings.
- Forgery and Financial Fraud: The court examined allegations of forged documents and fraudulent transactions related to property encroachments and evictions.
- Interference in Judicial Proceedings: The case highlighted instances where the legal system was allegedly misused to pressure rightful property owners.
Court’s Observations and Judgment
The court issued strong remarks condemning fraudulent legal practices and the exploitation of the judicial system:
- On Unauthorized Law Firms: “The practice of law is reserved for qualified advocates. No individual or entity should masquerade as a law firm without proper authorization.”
- On Professional Misconduct: “Advocates are expected to uphold justice, not manipulate the system for personal gain.”
- On CBCID Investigation: The court directed the CBCID to conduct a thorough probe into the activities of JMI Law Associates and its associates.
- On the Role of the Bar Council: The Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry was instructed to verify the credentials of advocates involved and take necessary disciplinary action.
Orders Issued by the Court
- The CBCID was directed to investigate the legality of JMI Law Associates and its role in land disputes and fraudulent legal activities.
- The Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry was ordered to verify the enrollment status and professional conduct of the involved advocates.
- The police were reminded to ensure strict adherence to legal procedures in property disputes.
- The case was listed for further compliance review in three weeks.
Legal Representation
- Petitioner: Kamalesh Chandrasekaran, represented by Ms. Preethi Baskar.
- Respondents 1-3: Represented by Mr. S. Ganesan of M/s. Colonel Ganesan Associates.
