The Kerala High Court on 13 October 2026 expunged part of a judgment’s adverse remarks against advocate Sadiqali M., while reiterating lawyers’ duties to verify documents and make fair disclosures.
Judge / Bench — Devan Ramachandran and Basant Balaji, JJ.; judgment by Devan Ramachandran, J.
In Writ Appeal 2113/2026, the Court said counsel act on clients’ instructions but must exercise caution when there is reason for suspicion. Advocates must protect clients through fair means without becoming their personal alter egos.
The Court regarded the earlier admonition as intended to mentor a young lawyer, but found its continuing adverse professional impact unintended. It removed the specified portion of paragraph 5; the underlying judgment otherwise remains unchanged.
Advocates appearing — Appellant: J. Sai Deepak, Senior Counsel, instructed by Manas P. Hameed; Ipsita Ojal also recorded. Respondent 1/Federal Bank: Mohan Jacob George, Standing Counsel. Respondents: P.M. Rafeek, Senior Government Pleader; other individual counsel not named in the judgment.