Refuting the arguments of an advocate seeking parity with his counterparts in the US and Britain to place his advertisements in media, the Union government on Tuesday submitted before the Supreme Court that lawyers cannot solicit clients in India.
Submitting before a bench headed by Justice B N Aggrawal, Union Ministry of Law and Justice said, “Professional ethics is the backbone of the legal vocation and it is against the rule to solicit clients as our society cherishes different ethos, social values and ethical norms from the western countries .”
After preliminary arguments, the court adjourned the matter till September 18.
Legal profession is not a business, rather it is a noble profession. Advocates are treated as officers of the court. They not only owe a duty towards their clients but to the court and the society, said the affidavit filed by the ministry.
Advocate Wasim Ahmed Kadri appearing for the government said the Bar Council of India (BCI) was the authority to decide such issues concerning the advocates. “The government’s role is confined to rule making powers. The rules are framed by the government on the proposals of the BCI.”
Senior Counsel M N Krishnamani appearing for the BCI submitted that, “We do not permit advertisements by any advocate. There is a restriction on such advertisements by the rulings of the Apex Court.”