The Supreme Court of India, on 12th September 2025, delivered a strong message against professional misconduct in the legal fraternity by dismissing an appeal filed by advocate Manoj Kumar Sharma. The Court upheld the Bar Council of India’s decision to suspend him for three years, citing serious misconduct and unbecoming behavior as a legal practitioner.

Background:

The case arose  from a complaint filed by Priyanka Bansal, in which  the Bar Council had earlier held  Advocate Sharma guilty of professional misconduct. Sharma challenged the Bar Council of India’s December 2023 order but  the apex court noted that he  had made scandalous allegations against the complainant and  had shown a defiant attitude.

Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, refused to grant any  leniency and dismissed his  appeal imposing  a cost of ₹1 lakh. The court stated, “Having regard to the serious misconduct carried out by the appellant-advocate, who appears to be an obstinate character in making scandalous allegations against the respondent-complainant, we do not want to take any lenient view. The appeal is accordingly dismissed with a cost of Rs.1 lakh”.

The bench  further  directed the Collector of Agra to attach Sharma’s properties to ensure recovery of this amount, which is to be paid to the complainant as compensation within three months. Additionally, the bench directed  that the appellant’s license should not be renewed without its prior permission and required a compliance report once Sharma completes his suspension.  

Conclusively, the Court asserted,  “The Bar Council is directed not to renew the license of the appellant without prior permission of this Court.”

Case Status: MANOJ KUMAR SHARMA Versus PRIYANKA BANSAL, C.A. No. 6679/2024