New Delhi: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued show cause notices to defense lawyers in the 2012 Delhi gangrape case. BCI issued notice to the two lawyers over their derogatory anti-women remarks in the Leslee Udwin’s documentary film “India’s Daughter”. 

The BCI found that the two lawyers, who had appeared for the accused in the trial court, prima facie appeared to be objectionable and was misconduct on the lawyers' part. BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra told to the reporters, “We have issued the show cause notices to M L Sharma and A P Singh for their alleged remarks made in the (BBC) documentary".  

"Whether it is misconduct simple or professional misconduct and then a decision would be taken on the future course of action” Mishra further added.

The lawyers' apex body took the decision around midnight last night after its executive committee meeting.
 
If the lawyers are found guilty, then under the provisions of the Advocates Act their license to practice may be cancelled.

Advocate A P Singh said that he would abide by the decision of the BCI, while M L Sharma maintained that he had not said anything wrong.

Sharma expressed he was shocked by the BCI's suo moto decision to issue notice to him and added even if his license is cancelled, it would make no difference to him. He would continue to help the accused.

Sharma also said that the BBC documentary is banned in India and it was a matter of contempt of court that people have downloaded its contents.