The Delhi High Court has recently cautioned against casual appearances by proxy counsel and urged the young lawyers to read case briefs.

A division bench comprising Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Justice Amit Mahajan said that a Counsel who enters appearance is expected to be aware, at the very least, of the prima facie case and the stage of the proceedings.

The Bench was dealing with an appeal filed by a wife against her husband in relation to a matrimonial dispute.

The Court noted that as per the office report, the counsel representing the wife had not taken steps to ensure completion of service of notice in the appeal, which was pending for the last two years.

The counsel representing the wife told Court that he was a Proxy Counsel and was not aware of the facts of the case.

He also said that he was unaware of the steps required to be taken by the wife to complete service in the appeal.

Taking exception to the conduct, the Court said:

“This Court is constrained to observe that, in accordance with the framework of the Advocates Act, 1961, a Proxy Counsel, who is unaware of facts of the case cannot meaningfully assist the Court. A Counsel who enters appearance is expected to be aware, at the very list, of the prima facie case and the stage of the proceedings.”

“It is for the future of this profession, that this Court earnestly hopes that younger members of the Bar will bestow due attention to reading the files before entering appearance, approaching their briefs with the seriousness and preparation that the office demands,” it added.

Accordingly, the Bench requested the counsel appearing for the wife to study the file and the relevant provisions of law, to render effective assistance to the Court.

Title: X v. Y

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Del) 184

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