R. Muthukrishnan vs. The Registrar General of the High Court of Judicature at Madras [Writ Petition (C) No.612 of 2016]: Supreme Court of India
Role of Lawyers and their professional ethics
23. The role of Lawyer is indispensable
in the system of delivery of justice. He is bound by the professional ethics
and to maintain the high standard. His duty is to the court to his own client,
to the opposite side, and to maintain the respect of opposite party counsel
also….
25. It is said by Alexander Cockburn
that “the weapon of the advocate is the sword of a soldier, not the dagger of
the assassin”. It is the ethical duty of lawyers not to expect any favour from
a Judge. He must rely on the precedents, read them carefully and avoid
corruption and collusion of any kind, not to make false pleadings and avoid
twisting of facts. In a profession, everything cannot be said to be fair even
in the struggle for survival. The ethical standard is uncompromisable. Honesty,
dedication and hard work is the only source towards perfection. An Advocate
conduct is supposed to be exemplary…..
40. …. A lawyer is supposed to be
governed by professional ethics, professional etiquette and professional ethos
which are a habitual mode of conduct. He has to perform himself with elegance,
dignity and decency. He has to bear himself at all times and observe himself in
a manner befitting as an officer of the Court. He is a privileged member of the
community and a gentleman. He has to mainsail with honesty and sail with the
oar of hard word, then his boat is bound to reach to the bank. He has to be
honest, courageous, eloquent, industrious, witty and judgmental.