Defence lawyers receive notices for remarks in Dec 16 gang rape documentary

The Bar Council of India has issued show cause notices to two lawyers, who had allegedly made derogatory anti-women remarks in the documentary on the December 16 gang rape case, on the ground that they appeared objectionable and constituted misconduct on their part.

“We have issued the show cause notices to M L Sharma and A P Singh for their alleged remarks made in the documentary,” BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said.

He said the remarks of the two lawyers, who had appeared for the accused in the trial court, prima facie appeared to be objectionable and was a misconduct on the lawyers’ part.

Mishra said they would have to see “whether it is misconduct simple or professional misconduct” and then a decision would be taken on the future course of action.

The lawyers’ apex body took the decision around midnight on Friday night after its executive committee meeting.

The notices have been issued under a provision of the Advocates Act and their licences to practice may be cancelled if the BCI is not satisfied with their response.

While A P Singh appeared conciliatory saying that he would abide by the decision of the BCI, M L Sharma maintained that he had not said anything wrong.

Sharma said he was shocked by the BCI’s suo motu decision to issue a notice to him and added even if his licence is cancelled, it would make no difference to him. He would continue to help the accused.

Sharma said that the documentary is banned in India and it was a matter of contempt that people have downloaded its contents.

In the controversial BBC documentary on the gang rape, Sharma reportedly said such incidents of rape are bound to happen if girls go out without proper security.

Singh said his fight was only against western culture. “My fight is against western culture and not against Indian society,” he said.