Lawyers protest against changes in Act by union government

March 24, 2011

Mangalore, March 24: Lawyers in the city under the banner of Mangalore Bar Association (MBA) on Thursday joined thousands of their counterparts across the state to protest against a move by the Union government to usher in The Legal Practitioners (Regulation and Maintenance of Standards in Profession Protecting the Interest of Clients and Promoting the Rule of Law) Act, by wearing red badges in front of the court building.

Currently, powers to control or discipline members of the legal fraternity rests with Bar Councils duly elected by lawyers and not with any agency.

P P Hegde, Vice Chairman, Karnataka State Bar Council, speaking on the occasion, said that such control by the Bar Council of its members has enabled lawyers to act independently and also take on the issue of corruption in the judiciary. The changes in the proposed Act empowers the Legal Services Board to be headed by a retired judge of the state high court or district judge to enquire in to complaints against lawyers and punish them if guilty.

“This provision totally usurps powers enjoyed by the bar councils, Hegde stated adding that the Act also envisages initiation of disciplinary action against lawyers by consumers disputes redressal forum in case any client were to register a complaint against the lawyer concerned. The cost of functioning of the Legal Services Board is proposed to be met by imposing Rs 25 additional stamp fee on every vakalat filed by the lawyers, Hegde noted.

The move to empower retired judges to discipline practicing lawyers is highly unscientific and would force them to constantly work under the fear of the judges. This would also curtail their freedom to discharge their duties in an independent manner, he noted.

“Lawyers across the district and taluks are today strongly urging the union government to revoke the controversial Act”, Hegde said.

MBA President S P Chengappa, General Secretary Ganesh Shenoy K and Treasurer B Vittal Rai were among those present.

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NRI leader SM Syed Khalilur Rehman, 86, passes away in Dubai

News Network

November 21,2024

Prominent NRI community leader SM Syed Khalilur Rehman, fondly known as CA Khalil, passed away in Dubai on Thursday at the age of 86 after a brief illness.

Khalil had been admitted to Aster Hospital in Mankhool on Tuesday after experiencing severe leg weakness. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to a double heart attack that worsened his condition, his son Rais Ahmed confirmed.

The news of his passing has sent waves of grief across communities, particularly in his hometown of Bhatkal, Karnataka, where he was a celebrated figure. Tributes have been pouring in on social media, highlighting his significant contributions to international trade, social service, and education.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

A chartered accountant by profession, Khalil was a founding member of the Dubai chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), where he served as chairman from 1987 to 1994. His illustrious career included key leadership roles, such as general manager of Khaleej Times, group executive director of the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, and vice-chairman of the Jashanmal Group of Companies.

He also chaired Maadhyama Communications and Sahil Online, a web-based news platform, and was a director and trustee of several media companies and charitable organisations in Dubai and India.

A Champion for Education and Philanthropy

Khalil’s impact extended far beyond his professional achievements. As president and general secretary of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, he played a pivotal role in the development of educational institutions, including schools and colleges in Bhatkal and surrounding areas. His dedication to social upliftment earned him recognition from the Government of Karnataka, which honoured him with a prestigious award for his philanthropic contributions.

A Life Celebrated

The Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (BMKC) recently released a documentary celebrating Khalil’s remarkable life and service to the community—a testament to his enduring legacy.

CA Khalil is survived by his family and countless admirers across the globe. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian expatriates in the UAE and beyond, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and commitment to community service.

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