Madras HC Flags Rising Criminal Cases Against Advocates, Seeks Bar Council Response

The Madras High Court has raised concerns about the increasing number of criminal prosecutions against practising advocates. While hearing a criminal petition, Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy noted that advocates are officers of the Court and integral to the justice system, yet many face criminal cases.

The Court observed that the matter had reached a stage requiring policy intervention by the Bar Council of India and the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. It suo motu impleaded both statutory bodies to submit their views and facilitate framing of appropriate rules or guidelines based on a comprehensive study of advocates facing criminal prosecution.

While permitting police to proceed with the investigation in the immediate case, the Court issued notice returnable by 24 August 2026 and directed the respondent to file a counter-affidavit.