Latest news with #RakeshGupta
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana forms panel to probe bench-hunting plaints
The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has constituted a panel to look into complaints of 'bench hunting' to obtain favourable order at the Punjab and Haryana high court. Council chairman Rakesh Gupta said the privilege committee, headed by Raj Kumar Chauhan, a member of the Bar Council, has been asked to immediately start the proceedings on the same. Bench hunting or forum shopping refers to petitioners managing to get their cases heard by a particular judge or bench to ensure favourable order. Bench hunting or forum shopping refers to petitioners managing to get their cases heard by a particular judge or bench to ensure favourable order. In May, a senior judge of the high court had hinted at a possible case of bench hunting in a matter involving a Gurugram realtor and a former judicial officer. It had come to light in that case that a particular lawyer was taken as the filing counsel only to get the case de-listed from a particular judge. However, Gupta did not confirm whether the same case was being investigated and said, 'A few names have to come to us.' The council is the statutory body with 1.5 lakh members across two states and Chandigarh. It has regulatory control over the Bars and regulates entry into the legal profession and also adjudicates complaints against lawyers. It is established under the Advocates Act, 1961, and is headquartered in Chandigarh. 'The committee is authorised to adopt all procedures, including issuance of notice, recording statement, summoning the record, if any as provided under the Advocates Act, if so required. The said committee is also authorised to collect all the information, data, record from various agencies, including press, high court and other sources, if so required,' the statement put out by the chairman said. As per Gupta, some of the members of Bar Council had pointed out to him that some advocates of high court, to secure 'favourable orders' from a particular bench or avoiding to appear before a bench, are doing bench-hunting. 'This is a serious misuse of the privileges granted to advocates under the Advocates Act. At the same time, it is a responsibility of the Bar Council to maintain dignity, status and reputation of the legal profession,' said Gupta, adding that he had come across one such case. An inquiry would be conducted to avoid such 'unethical activities', he added.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Continuing Medical Education session at GIMS explores evolving role of anaesthesiologists
The Department of Anaesthesia at Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida hosted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session, marking the third foundation day of the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists' Gautam Budh Nagar branch, officials said on Monday. The Paediatric Anaesthesia Department at Child PGI Noida also celebrated its second foundation day with a separate one-day CME dedicated to paediatric anaesthesia, officials said. (HT Photos) The faculty and clinicians underscored the role of anaesthesiologists in trauma care, ventilator management, critical care units, and disaster response scenarios. In a parallel celebration, the Paediatric Anaesthesia Department at Child PGI Noida on Monday marked its second foundation day with a separate one-day CME dedicated to paediatric anaesthesia, officials said. At the GIMS event, chief guest professor RM Sharma stressed the urgent need to integrate the anaesthesia expertise into frontline healthcare systems. 'The contribution of anaesthesiologists in emergency and critical care settings often goes unnoticed. It's time that their central role in saving lives beyond the OT is recognised,' he said. On the occasion, a book by the department's faculty, specifically designed for paramedical students, was also launched. The book covers essential knowledge for support staff working in perioperative, emergency, and intensive care environments. GIMS director Dr (Brig.) Rakesh Gupta, underscoring the evolving significance of anesthesiologists in emergency care said, 'We designed this CME to spark conversations around the multifaceted role anaesthesiologists play in handling real-world emergencies. From ventilator support during pandemics to trauma resuscitation in accidents, their role is indispensable'. Meanwhile, the CME at Child PGI Noida focused on the advancements in paediatric anaesthesia. Experts examined the nuances of paediatric sedation and discussed ways to make anaesthetic interventions safer and more effective for young patients. The session was chaired by retired Prof. Dr Uma Srivastava, with Head of department Prof. Dr Mukul Jain opening the ceremony. Other key speakers included Dr Poonam Motiani, Dr Amrit, Dr Bhumika, Prof. Prabhat Tiwari, and others. The CME also served as a call to reimagine the scope of anaesthesia beyond conventional boundaries, said officials. Discussions focused on preparedness of anaesthesiologists in public health crises such as pandemics, mass casualty incidents, and complex surgical emergencies, reflecting a broader shift in health care priorities.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Bar Council orders probe into ‘bench hunting' by advocates in Punjab and Haryana HC
Taking note of allegations of 'bench hunting' by certain advocates practising in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter, terming it a 'serious misuse of legal privileges granted under the Advocates Act'. Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana (BCPH) Chairman Rakesh Gupta stated that concerns were raised by several Bar Council members regarding some advocates allegedly attempting to manipulate bench listings — either to secure favorable outcomes or to avoid appearing before specific judges. 'Such actions strike at the very root of judicial integrity and tarnish the dignity and reputation of the legal profession,' Gupta said in his official communication. He warned that if the Bar Council fails to intervene, such unethical practices could further 'erode public faith in the judicial system and demoralise the broader legal community'. One such incident reportedly came to light through social media, and was subsequently verified by multiple Bar Council members, prompting urgent action. In response, the matter has been entrusted to the Privilege Committee of the Bar Council, which has been tasked with conducting a day-to-day inquiry into the allegations. The committee, headed by Raj Kumar Chauhan, has been empowered to adopt all procedural steps permissible under the Advocates Act — including summoning records, issuing notices, recording statements, and collecting information from relevant sources including the high court registry, press, and other agencies. Gupta emphasised the responsibility of the Bar Council in preserving the dignity, status, and discipline of the legal fraternity, asserting that proactive steps were essential to safeguard the profession's credibility and constitutional role. The committee has been directed to begin proceedings immediately and submit its report and recommendations at the earliest, the BCPH chairman said.
Time of India
03-08-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Incessant rains since saturday afternoon cripple normal life in Lucknow
1 2 Lucknow: Continuous rainfall since Saturday afternoon threw normal life out of gear in several parts of the city, with waterlogging and power outages reported across multiple localities. Dark clouds loomed over the city throughout Sunday, keeping the skies overcast and causing low visibility conditions that made it appear unusually dark even during the daytime. Frequent spells of rain resulted in severe waterlogging in key residential and commercial areas, including Gomtinagar, Chinhat, Sarojininagar, Sushant Golf City, Malihabad, and Indiranagar. The downpour turned several city roads into virtual streams, leading to traffic snarls and breakdowns of vehicles. Many commuters were seen wading through waterlogged roads, pushing their two-wheelers and four-wheelers that stalled mid-route. In Gomtinagar, the situation worsened when rainwater accumulated on the roads, causing inconvenience to the commuters. Similar situations were reported in low-lying areas, where water entered homes and shops. Power supply was disrupted in multiple neighbourhoods as heavy rain led to technical faults and breakdowns in the distribution network. Officials said restoration work was underway, but intermittent rain continued to pose a challenge. "This is the situation every year; authorities should act before the rainy season," said Praveen Srivastava, a resident of Sarojininagar. Rakesh Gupta, a shopkeeper in Gomtinagar, lamented, "Due to waterlogging, our business is being affected; there should be a proper solution for the problem." Efforts are being made to pump out excess water from the worst-hit zones. Senior LMC officials stated, "We've deployed additional teams in vulnerable areas to clear waterlogging and restore essential services. However, the continuous rain is making it difficult to carry out operations efficiently." More rainfall is predicted over the next 24 hours, the Meteorological Department warned, raising concerns of further disruption during the workweek. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Hindustan Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Punjab and Haryana Bar Council warns advocates against promoting legal services online
The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana (BCPH) has issued a strict warning to advocates and Bar Associations across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh against promoting legal services through social media, influencer collaborations, or any form of online advertisement. Despite earlier advisories, the council noted a rise in instances where advocates have publicised favourable court orders, shared client photographs in newspapers, or indirectly solicited work through digital platforms. (HT File Photo) The council has clarified that such conduct constitutes a serious violation of professional ethics under Rule 36 of Chapter II, Part VI of the Bar Council of India (BCI) Rules. The council also declared that any breach of Rule 36 would be treated as professional misconduct under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961, which may result in suspension or cancellation of an advocate's licence. In a detailed communication addressed to the presidents and secretaries of all Bar Associations —including tribunal, tax, and consumer forums —BCPH chairman Rakesh Gupta expressed concern over the growing trend of lawyers using promotional videos, social media content, and even client testimonials to solicit legal work despite previous directives. 'The legal profession is not a trade or commercial venture. It is a noble service rooted in public trust, and commercialisation of legal services severely undermines that trust,' it said. The council cited several judicial pronouncements reinforcing this stance, including a recent July 3, 2024, ruling by the Madras high court, which strongly condemned the advertisement of legal services as contrary to the dignity of the profession. Despite earlier advisories, the council noted a rise in instances where advocates have publicised favourable court orders, shared client photographs in newspapers, or indirectly solicited work through digital platforms. Such practices, the Bar Council said, are in direct violation of Rule 36, which explicitly bars lawyers from engaging in any form of advertisement or self-promotion — including online endorsements. It also forbids personal publicity or associating oneself with any particular cause, organisation, or past designation to gain legal work. The Bar Council further highlighted recent concerns over 'legal influencers' spreading misleading information online, regardless of their credentials. It has also made it clear that office bearers of Bar Associations will be held accountable if such practices continue under their watch. The Bar Council has directed all presidents and secretaries of Bar Associations to immediately disseminate the circular among their members and ensure strict compliance.
