In a scathing order that has sent shockwaves through the legal fraternity, the Madras High Court has directed the Director General of Police (DGP), Chennai, to initiate stern action against lawyers who allegedly assisted litigants in forcibly taking possession of land. The Court noted that the lawyers in question acted not as officers of the court, but rather as “henchmen,” undermining the dignity of the legal profession.
Justice Sunder Mohan, presiding over the case, emphasized that the legal community must uphold a higher standard of conduct. The Court also instructed the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to fully cooperate with the police investigation and to initiate a parallel inquiry against the accused lawyers.
WhatsApp Groups and Forced Entry: The Allegations
The case stems from anticipatory bail petitions filed by individuals facing serious charges under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. According to the prosecution, the petitioners forcibly entered the property of a complainant, accompanied by a group of lawyers, despite an injunction order in place.
The group allegedly assaulted employees, vandalized property, and destroyed CCTV footage. The Government Advocate informed the court that many of the lawyers were part of organized WhatsApp groups, mobilized specifically to interfere in land and monetary disputes.
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The Court, deeply alarmed by this development, warned that if such misconduct is not dealt with strictly, the legal profession risks becoming a facade for organized lawlessness.
Reform Measures for Junior Lawyers and Legal Oversight
Taking a broader view, the Court also addressed the systemic issues pushing junior lawyers toward unethical conduct. It noted that young advocates often become entangled in such cases due to financial desperation or lack of mentorship.
In an unusual move, the court ordered all junior lawyers involved—who lacked prior criminal records but were members of the WhatsApp groups—to appear before the Bar Council’s disciplinary committee monthly for a year, with detailed progress reports. Senior lawyers were also directed to consider mentoring these juniors to promote ethical legal practice.
Justice Mohan reiterated that while courts are accustomed to unruly litigants, lawyers are expected to remain “dignified” and uphold the values enshrined in the Bar Council of India Rules.
Custodial Interrogation Avoided, But Not Consequences
Though the court did not deem custodial interrogation necessary, it imposed financial penalties on the accused: ₹3 lakh to the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority and ₹10 lakh to the court’s credit. The directive served as both a warning and an example, reinforcing the judiciary’s intolerance for lawyers misusing their legal standing.