BAR COUNCIL OF MAHARASHTRA vs M. V. DABHOLKAR ETC. ETC.

The Supreme Court addressed professional misconduct under Section 35(1) of the Advocates Act, 1961, concerning lawyers soliciting work inappropriately at court entrances. The Court held that Rule 36 of the rules framed under Section 49(c) sets essential standards for professional conduct, which prohibit soliciting and other unprofessional practices. The Court overturned the Bar Council of India's decision that absolved the lawyers, emphasizing that the legal profession must maintain integrity and cannot be treated as a commercial enterprise.