In a recent session that turned tense, the Supreme Court of India raised concerns over a lawyer practicing journalism, questioning the compatibility of these dual roles under current regulatory frameworks. The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih, was hearing an appeal against an Allahabad High Court decision that had dismissed a criminal defamation proceeding against former MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The controversy began when the Supreme Court scrutinized the appellant, Mohammad Kamran, questioning how he could simultaneously hold positions as both a lawyer and a journalist. This scrutiny came to light during deliberations on whether such dual professions are permissible under the Bar Council of India’s rules, which traditionally prohibit lawyers from engaging in other paid employment.
Justice Oka explicitly expressed his dismay, stating, “I cannot understand your professional misconduct. You claim to be both a lawyer and a journalist. Check the rules of the Bar Council of India. There’s a complete ban on this.”
The heated discussion underscored the legal and ethical dilemmas faced by professionals straddling responsibilities in law and media. The court did agree to issue notices on the appeal but also demanded responses from the Uttar Pradesh Bar Council and the Bar Council of India regarding any actions that might be taken against Kamran.
The Supreme Court is not only seeking clarity on this specific legal quandary but also set to determine the broader implications of such dual practices on professional integrity and public trust. Meanwhile, the registry was instructed to distribute copies of the order, emphasizing the need for clear distinctions between the roles of a lawyer and a journalist.
