SUPREME COURT BAR ASSOCIATION vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court held that it possesses the authority under Article 129 and Article 142 of the Constitution to impose disciplinary actions on advocates, including suspension from practice for contempt of court. The Court found Vinay Chandra Mishra guilty of criminal contempt for obstructing justice and sentenced him to six weeks of simple imprisonment, suspended for four years, along with a three-year suspension from practicing law. The Court affirmed its jurisdiction to take such actions despite the contention that only Bar Councils have the authority to discipline advocates.