In Re: a Pleader

Leach, C.J.—The respondent is a pleader practising at Palni. Rule. 11 of the rules framed under the Legal Practitioners'' Act requires that an

application for renewal of a certificate must be made through the Judge presiding over the Court in which the pleader ordinarily practises and

unless the High Court or the Registrar otherwise orders should be made not later than 15th November. If the application for renewal is made by

that date the practice has been to allow the pleader to appear in cases pending the issue to him of the sanad. In this case the respondent did not

apply for the renewal of his sanad in respect of the year 1943 until 31st December 1942 and on 15th January 1943, before the sanad had been

renewed, he filed a memorandum of appearance in a case before the Sub-Magistrate of Palni. The certificate was subsequently issued and in

accordance with the practice was dated 1st January 1943.

As the pleader had not complied with Rule 11 he had no right to appear in a case until his sanad had actually been renewed and in these

circumstances this Court directed that proceedings be instituted against the respondent. In accordance with this order the Sub-Magistrate instituted

proceedings and after he had heard what the pleader had to say, directed the matter to be dropped. His reason for adopting this course was that

he was under the impression that the High Court had condoned the delay on the part of the pleader in applying for the renewal of his sanad. This

was not the case. It is obvious that in appearing on 15th January 1943 in the case before the Sub-Magistrate, he rendered himself liable to

punishment u/s 32, Legal Practitioners'' Act. The respondent is a pleader of 27 years standing and his conduct hitherto has given no cause for

complaint. An apology has been made on his behalf and in these circumstances we will not inflict a fine. The respondent is, however, censured for

his conduct.