In Re: P, An Advocate
Rule established
An advocate who misappropriates client's funds is guilty of grossest professional misconduct and liable to be struck off the roll.
Facts
- An advocate collected money from his client for the purpose of court fees and other expenses in litigation but misappropriated the amount for personal use, failing to file the suit. The client complained to the Bar Council.
Issue
- Whether misappropriation of client's funds by an advocate constitutes professional misconduct warranting removal from the roll of advocates.
Held
- The Madras High Court held that misappropriation of client's money is the gravest form of professional misconduct. It strikes at the very root of the fiduciary relationship between advocate and client. The advocate was struck off the roll.
Ratio Decidendi
The Madras High Court held that misappropriation of client's money is the gravest form of professional misconduct. It strikes at the very root of the fiduciary relationship between advocate and client. The advocate was struck off the roll.
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Source
Source: AIR 1963 Madras 298
This is an educational summary, not the judgment itself. Cite the reported version in professional or academic work.