Pune Lawyer's License Suspended for Remarks Against Judiciary and State Leaders

The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa (BCMG) has suspended the license of Pune-based lawyer and social activist Asim Sarode for three months over alleged remarks made against the judiciary, the then-Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, and the state assembly speaker Rahul Narvekar.

The suspension order, dated August 12, was received by Sarode on Monday. The BCMG’s disciplinary committee found Sarode guilty of professional misconduct under the Advocates Act, acting on a complaint filed by Rajesh Dabholkar.

According to the complaint, Sarode made the contentious statements during a public event in Mumbai in March 2023, where he reportedly criticised the justice delivery system and certain constitutional authorities. The committee observed that his comments “undermined the authority of the judiciary” and could foster a public perception that the system was “under pressure or compromised.” It noted that such remarks, made from a political platform while referring to a Supreme Court case, could erode public trust in the judiciary.

“The respondent advocate has created an atmosphere of distrust and disrespect towards the judiciary by making such statements in a public meeting. We believe the advocate has committed professional misconduct,” the order stated, calling his conduct “improper and unbecoming of an advocate.” However, since this was the first complaint against him, the council described the penalty as “lenient.”

Reacting to the order, Sarode said he would appeal to the Bar Council of India. “I disagree with the order and will challenge it. As someone who respects the Constitution, I believe it is my duty to highlight flaws in the system,” he said.

The BCMG regulates legal practice in Maharashtra, Goa, and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. This decision highlights the council's commitment to maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the legal profession in the region.