Professional ethicsMisconductSupreme Court of India

Chandra Shekhar Soni v Bar Council of Rajasthan

AIR 1983 Supreme Court 101219831 min read
The case in brief30-second read
Facts
An advocate was convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude. The Bar Council initiated proceedings for removal from the roll of advocates on the ground that a conviction for moral turpitude constitutes professional misconduct.
Issue
Whether conviction for an offence involving moral turpitude, even if unconnected with professional duties, constitutes professional misconduct warranting removal from the roll.
Held
The Supreme Court held that an advocate convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude is guilty of professional misconduct. The profession demands high character and integrity. Even private conduct involving moral turpitude disqualifies a person from being a member of the Bar, which is a noble profession built on trust.
Principle
Professional misconduct includes acts that bring disrepute to the legal profession even if not connected with professional work; moral turpitude is a ground for removal.
Cite this

Facts

  • An advocate was convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude. The Bar Council initiated proceedings for removal from the roll of advocates on the ground that a conviction for moral turpitude constitutes professional misconduct.

Issue

  1. Whether conviction for an offence involving moral turpitude, even if unconnected with professional duties, constitutes professional misconduct warranting removal from the roll.

Held

  • The Supreme Court held that an advocate convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude is guilty of professional misconduct. The profession demands high character and integrity. Even private conduct involving moral turpitude disqualifies a person from being a member of the Bar, which is a noble profession built on trust.

Ratio decidendi

The Supreme Court held that an advocate convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude is guilty of professional misconduct. The profession demands high character and integrity. Even private conduct involving moral turpitude disqualifies a person from being a member of the Bar, which is a noble profession built on trust.

Cite this

Citation

Chandra Shekhar Soni v Bar Council of Rajasthan AIR 1983 Supreme Court 1012

Reported: AIR 1983 Supreme Court 1012. This is an educational summary, not the judgment itself. Cite the reported version in professional or academic work.