The Delhi Bar Council has taken a stern stance against Advocate Peeush Kulshreshtha, suspending his license for a period of seven years. The decision was made by a bench comprising Chairman D.K. Singh and Members Rajesh Mishra and Imran Kamal, following a case where Mr. Kulshreshtha engaged in unethical practices, including presenting forged decrees and providing false assurances from 2009 to 2022.

The complainant, who alleged misconduct against the advocate, stated that despite being aware of the death of the complainant’s husband’s father, Mr. Kulshreshtha initially represented the complainant's husband. However, he later ceased appearing, resulting in an ex-parte decision. The respondent allegedly provided false assurances and concealed the actual outcome, promising the complainant and her husband that the disputed shop belonged to them and assuring to facilitate the mutation process.

When the matter was brought before the Disciplinary Committee, Mr. Kulshreshtha was notably absent. The Committee granted him an opportunity to defend the case and issued a notice via Speed Post, informing him through various modes. Despite this, the respondent failed to appear, prompting the Committee to proceed ex-parte. Subsequent attempts to involve the respondent, including filing a police complaint, proved unsuccessful, as Mr. Kulshreshtha intentionally avoided participating in the proceedings.

The Disciplinary Committee observed that the respondent's conduct was inappropriate, and his deliberate absence signaled a lack of interest in contesting the matter on its merits. Despite the Committee granting him multiple opportunities and even imposing a cost of Rs.2,000/-, the respondent did not comply.

The Bar Council, in its opinion, considered the allegations against Mr. Kulshreshtha to be extremely grave. The creation of forged court decrees not only amounted to fraud against his own clients but also reflected a misuse of his license and a mockery of the law and justice delivery system. The Council referred to the case of Narain Pandey v. Pannalal Pandey, emphasizing that such professional misconduct is serious and deserves punishment for deterrence and correction.

The Bar Council asserted that no advocate is granted a license to engage in illegal acts that tarnish the image of the legal fraternity. The credibility and reputation of the legal profession should not be compromised, and any member falling below the established standards deserves punishment commensurate with the gravity of misconduct.

In light of the findings, the Bar Council found Mr. Peeush Kulshreshtha guilty of gross misconduct and suspended his license to practice as an advocate for a period of seven years. Additionally, he has been directed to pay Rs.2,00,000/- to the complainant as compensation for the damages suffered.

Case: Ms. Kamlesh Gupta v. Mr. Peeush Kulshreshtha,

Complaint No.: 256/2022.