P.D. Gupta v. Ram Murti
(1997) 7 SCC 147 · Supreme Court of India
An advocate who purchases the client's property in dispute commits grave professional misconduct.
Unit II · Professional Ethics and Professional Accounting System
Advocate–client property, files and conflict of interest
Study aid only. Confirm statute numbers with the current bare Act and the official OU LL.B. (3-YDC) 2024–25 syllabus PDF.
Statute sections
| Act / instrument | Section | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Advocates Act, 1961 | 35 | Misconduct |
| Bar Council of India Rules | Part VI, Ch. II, s. I | Duty to the client |
| Bar Council of India Rules | Part VI, Ch. II, r. 9–15 | Conflict, confidence and improper communication |
Landmark cases
Himalayan Cooperative Group Housing Society v. Balwan Singh
(2015) 7 SCC 373 · Supreme Court of India
An advocate's authority is confined to the client's instructions; he cannot surrender substantial rights or act contrary to the brief.
R.D. Saxena v. Balram Prasad Sharma
AIR 2000 SC 2912 · Supreme Court of India
An advocate has no lien on the client's papers for unpaid fees; withholding files to coerce payment is misconduct.