SC takes 1st step in stripping lawyer of 'senior' gown

THE DECISION IS BASED ON THE SUGGESTIONS IN A FEB 20 SC ORDER THAT HIGHLIGHTED SENIOR ADVOCATE RISHI MALHOTRA'S 'SUPPRESSION' OF MATERIAL FACTS IN THE COURT

- Utkarsh Anand

NEW DELHI: In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court's full court has resolved to issue a show-cause notice to senior advocate Rishi Malhotra, questioning why his senior designation should not be withdrawn following a severe indictment of his professional conduct in a recent judgment.

This marks the first instance where the full court, comprising all sitting Supreme Court judges, has taken collective action against a senior advocate, signalling a firm stance on legal ethics and professional accountability.

People familiar with the development confirmed that the full court, convened by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, unanimously adopted a resolution on Tuesday, authorising the issuance of a show-cause notice to Malhotra. The decision follows recommendations in a February 20 judgment, which highlighted Malhotra's alleged suppression of material facts and misleading statements before the court in a matter relating to remission.

"The full court was of the view that Malhotra must be given an opportunity to explain why his designation should not be revoked in light of his conduct," one of the persons cited above told HT.