Fri Nov 15 00:29:58 IST 2024: ## Madurai High Court Urges Bar Council to Formulate Guidelines for Advocates Handling Matrimonial Disputes
**Madurai, November 15, 2024:** The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has called upon the Bar Council of India (BCI) to establish guidelines for advocates dealing with matrimonial disputes. The court stressed the importance of ensuring that lawyers do not exacerbate conflicts and instead work towards amicable solutions.
In a recent matrimonial case, the court observed that the dispute had been amplified by the advocate’s “drafting”, which it deemed a breach of professional ethics. The court highlighted the duty of advocates in such cases to avoid amplifying the issue and instead focus on resolving differences between the parties.
The court cited a Supreme Court directive that instructs all members of the Bar to refrain from turning disputes into unresolvable conflicts. It emphasized the need for advocates to maintain ethical standards, including refraining from misleading clients or providing unprofessional advice.
The court further suggested that advocates could seek the assistance of qualified counsellors to better advise their clients. They are also urged to inform clients of the legal consequences of filing false complaints and to adopt a neutral stance in the dispute.
The court concluded by stating that the Bar Council should take strict action against advocates whose conduct is deemed unprofessional, particularly during the drafting of complaints or the filing of cases. This move underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring responsible and ethical legal practices in the resolution of matrimonial disputes.
First Piper 