Supreme Court Reprimands Lawyer Over Party-in-Person Appearance

• The Supreme Court rebuked a lawyer for failing to display his advocate bands on camera during a virtual hearing.
• The incident highlights the need for responsible conduct by lawyers appearing before the court.
• The PIL seeking a national fire safety framework for high-risk public premises has been dismissed by the Supreme Court.

A lawyer, Narender Kumar Goswami, appeared in person before the Supreme Court during a virtual hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a national fire safety framework for high-risk public premises. However, he failed to display his advocate bands on camera, prompting the court to question his conduct. The Bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe expressed their displeasure at Goswami's actions, observing that while they were sympathetic towards genuine litigants appearing in person, the same consideration did not extend to lawyers attempting to conceal their professional status. The Court cautioned Goswami against such conduct, saying, “Don’t play these games, sir. You are appearing as a party-in-person. Don’t show your bands.”

The Supreme Court's reprimand of the lawyer comes in the backdrop of recent fire incidents in Delhi and Lucknow, which have highlighted the need for a comprehensive national fire safety framework for high-risk public premises. The PIL, filed by an advocate, has argued that despite existing standards, compliance is episodic, and enforcement is missing. The plea argues that one of the gravest reasons for recurring fire tragedies in the country is the absence of a uniform enforceable national minimum fire and life-safety framework for high-risk public occupancy premises. The Court's observation on the need for responsible conduct by lawyers appearing before it is also significant, given the importance of maintaining professional standards in the legal profession.

The Supreme Court's reprimand of the lawyer serves as a reminder to all lawyers appearing in person before the court to maintain professional conduct and display their advocate bands on camera. This is particularly important in cases where the court is considering sensitive issues, such as public interest litigation. The incident also highlights the need for a comprehensive national fire safety framework for high-risk public premises, which has been a long-standing concern in India. The Court's observation that compliance with existing standards is episodic and enforcement is missing underscores the importance of effective implementation of laws and regulations to prevent recurring tragedies.

Lawyers appearing in person before the Supreme Court should be aware of the court's expectations regarding professional conduct, including displaying advocate bands on camera. Failure to comply may result in reprimand or disciplinary action.

Source: Original reporting via LawBeat