Top court refuses petition seeking to overturn Bar Council’s licence suspensions

The Supreme Court has dismissed the case filed by lawyer Zunnavar Saleem and his wife, lawyer Mehenaz Hussain, challenging disciplinary action taken against them by the Bar Council.

The couple had first attempted to file the case in the High Court, alleging that the Bar Council had repeatedly taken action against them unlawfully and had revoked their licences without proper basis. When the High Court refused to register the case, Zunnavar appealed the decision to the judges. The High Court bench upheld the registrar’s decision, after which the matter was taken to the Supreme Court.  

According to the Supreme Court’s website, the case has now been rejected.

Zunnavar and Mehenaz sought an order to overturn the suspension of their licences and restore their right to practice law. They also asked the court to determine that they were entitled to claim damages for the harm they say was caused by the Bar Council’s actions.

The disciplinary case stems from an incident in which Zunnavar used a public notary seal issued to Mehenaz to notarise an agreement in 2021. The Bar Council said this violated the Legal Profession Act and the rules governing public notaries, as Zunnavar notarised a document while acting as a lawyer for one of the parties involved.

In May, the Bar Council stated that its Executive Committee had decided to suspend Mehenaz’s licence for 12 months and Zunnavar’s licence for 15 months over the violation.

With the Supreme Court now rejecting their petition, the Bar Council’s disciplinary decision remains in force.