Lawyer cannot become PIL petitioner to further the interests of his clients: Allahabad High Court

Bureau Prayagraj- The Allahabad High Court recently observed that any advocate to whom his clients approach for redressal of their grievances cannot be permitted to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in furtherance of the interests of his clients by becoming a petitioner himself.

Noting that such conduct could amount to professional misconduct, a division bench of Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra dismissed the PIL petition filed by a lawyer on the ground of withdrawal.

In this petition, the lawyer had sought direction to the respondents to provide natural gas connections to the industries on the basis of the guidelines issued by the Petroleum Ministry.

While stating his identity and credentials in the petition, the petitioner had inter alia said that he is a lawyer practicing in district Firozabad and is a legal advisor to some industries. He also looks after the matters related to industries before the industrial authorities.

Therefore, observing that such conduct may amount to professional misconduct, the Division Bench dismissed the PIL petition on the grounds of withdrawal, while cautioning the petitioner not to indulge in any such attempts in future.