Madras HC orders CBCID Probe into Fake Law Firm Run by Non-Lawyer [Read Order]

In a recent ruling, the Madras High Court directed the Crime Branch Criminal Investigation Department (CBCID) to investigate a fake law firm allegedly operated by a non-lawyer under the guise of a legal practice.

The court took suo motu cognizance of the issue while hearing a civil revision petition filed by Kamalesh Chandrasekaran, a litigant involved in a disputed real estate transaction. The petition which sought an injunction against the alienation of property, revealed shocking allegations of professional misconduct and unauthorized legal practice.

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The case involved Advocate Preethi Baskar, who was found to have previously represented both parties in related legal proceedings, raising concerns about conflict of interest. Further scrutiny by the court exposed that she had been associated with an entity called "JMI Law Associates," a firm allegedly run by Jamal Mohammed Ibrahim, a non-lawyer. Investigations suggested that this firm had been recruiting advocates through online job portals and representing clients without proper legal authorization.

During the proceedings, the court discovered that substantial sums of money allegedly Rs. 2 crore had been transferred to Preethi Baskar under suspicious circumstances as legal fees and the court observed that misleading legal notices and public hoardings were erected on the disputed property to pressure the rightful owners into financial settlements.

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The Bar Council of Tamil Nadu & Puducherry confirmed that such an arrangement, where a non-lawyer operates a legal firm and shares remuneration with enrolled advocates, violated Bar Council of India rules. The court also reviewed a police report which found no illegal encroachment by the petitioner but confirmed that respondents retained control of the disputed property.

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A single bench led by Justice A.D. Jagadish Chandira observed that the actions of the individuals involved constituted a severe breach of legal ethics and ordered further investigation. The court explained the importance of upholding the integrity of the legal profession and directed the CBCID to conduct a detailed probe into the operations of JMI Law Associates and its alleged illegal activities.

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The court ordered the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu & Puducherry to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Advocate Preethi Baskar for professional misconduct. The police were instructed to take necessary action against any individuals found to be unlawfully practicing law. The case has now been referred for further investigation, and authorities have been directed to submit a status report on the matter.

To Read the full text of the Order CLICK HERE

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