The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea filed by two lawyers challenging a Gujarat High Court order to initiate a probe against them for suspected forgery of a vakalatnama. 

A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta stated that they were not inclined to interfere with the ongoing investigation at this stage.

The petitioners, represented by Senior Counsel Mukul Rohatgi and Yatin Oza, argued that the High Court had acted hastily and without proper verification when it ordered the probe based on allegations against them. They contended that such actions violated their fundamental rights to practice their profession under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, as well as their rights to reputation and dignity under Article 21.

Also Read: Advocates challenge Gujarat HC order over alleged Vakalatnama forgery.

The controversy stems from an order issued by Justice Hasmukh D Sathar of the Gujarat High Court, directing a complaint to be lodged against advocates Sandipkumar M Patel and Viral J Vyas. This directive came during a case concerning the release of a vehicle seized under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, where the litigant claimed to have never engaged the two lawyers.

The High Court's decision to order a probe, to be conducted by an officer of no less than the rank of Deputy Registrar, indicates the seriousness with which the allegations of forgery are being treated. The court's objective appears to be ensuring transparency and upholding the integrity of legal proceedings.

Case: Sandipkumar M Patel and anr vs. State of Gujarat and ors.