The Supreme Court has refused to interfere with the Bar Council of India’s disciplinary order suspending an advocate’s license for a period of three years, after finding him guilty of professional misconduct for harassing a woman-complainant and making scandalous allegations against her.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi dismissed the advocate’s appeal and further directed that his license shall not be renewed without prior permission of the Court. Additionally, the Court imposed a cost of ₹1 lakh, to be paid to the complainant as compensation within three months.

During the hearing, Justice Surya Kant took strong exception to the advocate’s conduct, remarking:
“Merely because matrimonial dispute is [there]… you are blackmailing this girl! You have not withdrawn [the matrimonial case]…”

The bench observed that the advocate’s persistence in making scandalous and defamatory allegations amounted to serious professional misconduct and demonstrated his obstinate character, leaving no scope for leniency.

The case, titled Manoj Kumar Sharma v. Priyanka Bansal (C.A. No. 6679/2024), arose from disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Bar Council of India’s Disciplinary Committee, which had found the advocate guilty of misconduct. He was punished with suspension from practice for three years. Challenging this order, the advocate approached the Supreme Court, which has now upheld the punishment.

The judgment reiterates the Supreme Court’s consistent stand that advocates hold a position of trust and must maintain the highest standards of professional ethics. Harassment or intimidation of litigants, especially in sensitive disputes like matrimonial cases, amounts to grave misconduct.