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Synopsis

The Madras High Court has directed an inquiry into the legitimacy of JMI Law Associates and the professional credentials of several advocates linked to the firm. The order was issued following allegations of unethical practices, unauthorized legal representation, and misleading advertisements.

The case pertained to a property dispute in Mylapore, Chennai, where the petitioner, Kamalesh Chandrasekaran, claimed to have entered into an unregistered sale agreement with the respondents, M.A. Noor Jehan Beevi, K.A. Shaik Madar, and Abdul Hassan. He alleged that he had spent Rs 1.25 crore to clear illegal occupants from the property, expecting the final sale to proceed. However, the respondents later engaged with another buyer, leading to a legal conflict.

When the lower courts refused to grant an injunction preventing the sale of the property, the petitioner approached the high court. During the hearings, serious allegations emerged against the petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Preethi Baskar. The respondents accused her of switching sides in the case and colluding with JMI Law Associates, a firm allegedly functioning without proper authorization and employing non-lawyers.

The court directed the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to conduct a thorough verification of the educational qualifications and enrollment status of Advocates Preethi Baskar, Mani Bharathi, and Abel Selvakumar. It also asked the Council to determine whether JMI Law Associates was legally entitled to operate and to scrutinize vakalats filed under its name before various courts.

In addition, the court emphasized the need for action against unauthorized legal advertising. The Bar Council has been asked to issue a press release warning the public against misleading advertisements and fake law firms.

A special investigative team under the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CBCID), led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, has been assigned to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the complaints and counterclaims between the parties. The team will examine the role of JMI Law Associates and its founder, Jamal Mohammed Ibrahim, along with any financial transactions linked to the case.

The respondents accused the petitioner of attempting to fraudulently take control of the disputed property, while also alleging that Advocate Preethi Baskar had received over Rs. 2 crore in legal fees, purportedly for handling eviction settlements. The petitioner, in turn, alleged that the respondents had violated the sale agreement and refused to honor their financial commitments.

The court expressed serious concerns over professional misconduct, warning that violations of legal ethics could undermine public trust in the judiciary. It also highlighted the importance of regulating law firm operations and ensuring proper internship programs for law students.

"The members of the legal profession should stand free from suspicion. The reputation of a profession is more important than the fortunes of any individual member. Advocate abusing the process of court is guilty of misconduct. Legal profession must be purified from such abuses of the Court procedures. Tactics of filibuster, if adopted by an advocate, is also professional misconduct," court said. 

The matter is scheduled for further review in three weeks to assess the implementation of the court’s directives

Case Title: Kamalesh Chandrasekaran vs. M.A.Noor Jehan Beevi and Others