‘Pernicious conduct’: Kerala High Court slaps Rs 50,000 costs on advocates for stalling case over fees
Indian Express·1h ago·Anger
What Happened
Kerala High Court imposed Rs 50,000 costs on two advocates for stalling a land acquisition case over unpaid fees. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas termed the conduct "pernicious," noting the advocates delayed disbursement of decretal amounts to rightful claimants for nearly ten months. The court emphasized advocates are officers of the court and cannot exploit litigants regarding fees. Claimants had paid over Rs 25 lakh and engaged new advocates after the first petitioner demanded additional Rs 1 crore.
Key Entities
Kerala High CourtJustice Bechu Kurian ThomasTwo advocatesRs 50,000 penaltyLand acquisition caseBar Council of India