Himachal Pradesh High Court Bar Association Shimla

STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETIQUETTE

• Every member shall, at all times, conduct himself in a manner befitting his or her status as an officer of the Court, a privileged member of the community, and a gentleman, bearing in mind that what may be lawful and moral for a person, who is not a member of the Bar may still be improper or unethical for an Advocate. A member should fearlessly uphold the interest of his client, and his conduct should conform to the rules framed by the Bar Council of India.

DUTY TO THE COURT

• A member shall, while appearing before a Court, conduct himself with dignity & self-respect. He shall not be servile and whenever there is a proper ground for serious complaint against a judicial officer, it shall be his right and duty to submit his grievance to the Executive Committee/General House.
• A member shall always maintain towards the courts, a respectful attitude, bearing in mind that the dignity and independence of the Courts is essential for the survival of free society and democracy.
• A member shall not wear bands or gowns in public places other than the court premises.

DUTY TO COLLEAGUES

• A member shall not solicit work or advertise, either directly or indirectly, whether by circulars, advertisements, touts, personal communications, interview not warranted by personal relations, furnishing or inspiring newspaper comments or producing his photographs to be published in connection with cases in which he has been engaged or concerned.
• A member shall not enter appearance in any case in which there is already a vakalatnama or memo of appearance filed by any Advocate engaged for a party except with his consent; in case such consent is not produced he shall apply to the court stating reasons why the said consent could not be produced and he shall appear only after obtaining the permission of the Court.

DUTY TO CLIENT

• A member shall not ordinarily withdraw from engagements, once accepted, without sufficient cause and unless reasonable and sufficient notice is given to the client.
• A member should not accept a brief or appear in a case in which he has reason to believe that he will be a witness. In case after engagement he finds that he is a witness on a material question of fact he should not continue to appear and should retire from the case.
• A member shall not enter into arrangements whereby funds of his client (s) in his hands are converted into loans. A member shall not lend money to his client, for the purpose of any action or legal proceedings in which he is engaged by such client.

LIBRARY RULES

• Members should observe strict silence inside the library.
• Use of phone is not permitted inside library.
• Members are not allowed to carry eatables/drinks inside library.
• Personal belongings like laptop, shoulder or sling bangs should not be kept unattended on the tables & chairs.
• Members should not talk inside the library in such a manner which causes nuisance to other memebrs.
• Library strictly meant for individual study, searching citation from avilable books and research only.
• Members should not leave bags/books/laptops on the table & cannot claim, capture & reserves seats for future use since every esteemed member of the bar is equally important.
• The seats are to be used or occupied on the first come first serve basis.
• Members should not scribble on the table tops or damage them.
• In case members require any book they are advised to write the name/citation on a slip & give it to the library attendant.
• The cooperatoin of every respected member is required for the betterment & maintaining discipline in the library.