‘Proxy’ lawyer gets judge’s goat in Bangalore

The Karnataka high court on Friday came down heavily on a lawyer who admitted to being a ‘proxy’ advocate. A fine of Rs500 was imposed on advocate Harish, who appeared in the place of a colleague, KN Mohan. The court also directed the Bar Council to take steps to prevent such practices.

Justice DV Shylendra Kumar observed that advocates cannot seek adjournments or request the listing of a case on the premise of being a ‘proxy’. The practice is obnoxious, demeaning, and compromises the nobility of the legal profession, the judge said, adding, “Ignorant, incompetent, unwilling lawyers are proliferating.” This is perhaps unique to Karnataka’s judicial system, he said.

In proper pedant mode, he said, “A proxy is an authorised agent of a shareholder who is authorised by the shareholder to represent him in a company meeting for the purpose of voting on his behalf or other related aspects.” Advocates who make it a habit to submit they are ‘proxy’ do not know anything about the case. They just walk in, asserting they are ‘proxy’ and expect the case to be adjourned, the judge held.