Calcutta HC Directs Action Against Lawyer Under Advocates Act For Tampering With Order Sheet, Says Conduct "Extremely Shocking"

Justice Suvra Ghosh described the conduct as “extremely shocking” and directed the Registrar General to take up the matter with the Bar Council of West Bengal for necessary action under the Advocates Act, 1961.

The order was passed on September 10, 2026.

Lawyer inserted alleged contemnor's name into order sheet

The Court was examining the conduct of the learned counsel after the applicants/petitioners were granted liberty to correct the name of the alleged contemnor in the cause title of their contempt application.

The liberty was granted by an order dated September 9, 2026.

However, instead of incorporating the name in the cause title of the application, the lawyer inserted it into the Court’s order sheet dated August 24, 2026.

The Court noted that the lawyer had “feigned ignorance” when asked to explain the incorporation.

'Extremely shocking': Calcutta High Court

Expressing strong disapproval, Justice Suvra Ghosh observed: “The state of affairs is extremely shocking. A learned counsel who is not able to distinguish an order sheet of the Court from the cause title of the application is a threat to the discipline, dignity and sanctity of the institution.”

The Court further held: “The conduct of the learned counsel persuades this Court to hold him liable for professional misconduct.”

Observing that the matter required stern action, the Court directed that it be taken up with the Bar Council of West Bengal.

Registrar General directed to approach Bar Council

The High Court requested the Registrar General to take up the issue with the Bar Council of West Bengal so that necessary steps could be taken against the lawyer under the Advocates Act, 1961.

The Court stated that such action was necessary to uphold the dignity, integrity, discipline and sanctity of the judicial institution.

It further directed that copies of the September 10 order, the order sheet containing the alleged tampering, and the September 9 order be sent to the Registrar General for necessary action.

The Registrar General was also requested to keep the Court informed about the steps taken by the Bar Council of West Bengal.