HC Flags 'Misconduct' by Lawyer for Misleading Court The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has taken serious disciplinary action against an advocate accused of misleading the court and representing multiple respondents without proper authorization. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta directed the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the lawyer. The court emphasized that the misconduct involved filing a vakalatnama (legal power of attorney) for a single respondent but continuing to represent multiple parties in proceedings spanning several hearings. The case originated from a petition filed by Pushpa Gupta, who sought the removal of unauthorized construction on government land near Bhange Lawn on Wardha Road. She alleged illegal occupation of the plot and requested its demolition. During earlier hearings, the court found that the respondents had relied on forged documents to mislead the judiciary, prompting the issuance of contempt notices against them. The bench noted that orders dated March 30 and April 2, 2026, were passed based on the lawyer’s submissions, which were later revealed to be misleading. The court observed that the lawyer’s actions constituted "misconduct" and referred the matter to the Bar Council for disciplinary action. It cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bhagwan Singh versus State of U.P. (2025), which warned against "professional misconduct" by lawyers. The bench highlighted that advocates are officers of the court and play a critical role in the justice delivery system. It emphasized that the public places immense trust in the judiciary and that lawyers must act with "responsibility and seriousness.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #bar_council_of_maharashtra_and_goa #pushpa_gupta #bhange_lawn
