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Professional misconduct - Changing sides in a criminal case, accepting briefs from conflicting parties, offering bribe to a Radiologist for a favorable report, submitting false evidence. Analysis: The appellant was found guilty of professional misconduct by the Disciplinary Committee of the Bar Council of India for changing sides in a criminal case, which was contrary to the Bar Council rules. The State Bar Council had given the appellant the benefit of doubt on this charge, but the Disciplinary Committee rightly disagreed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional ethics and avoiding conflicts of interest without full disclosure and consent. The appellant was also found guilty of procuring a bribe for a Radiologist to obtain a favorable report in another case. This conduct was deemed reprehensible and a violation of the advocate's duty to act ethically and in the best interests of the client, as per the Rules of Professional Conduct. The appellant's actions involved offering a bribe to a Radiologist to secure a favorable report for a client, which was discovered through incriminating letters and testimonies. Despite the appellant's attempt to provide a false explanation for the letter, the Disciplinary Committee upheld the finding of the State Bar Council, disbelieving the defense version. The appellant's lack of candor and attempt to fabricate evidence were considered serious breaches of professional conduct, leading to the decision of suspension from practice for three years. In the appeal, the Supreme Court emphasized the need for a deterrent punishment in cases of grave professional misconduct to uphold the integrity of the legal profession. While acknowledging the severity of the appellant's actions, the Court considered his junior status at the bar and the timing of the incidents in 1971. As a result, the Court reduced the suspension period from three years to one year, balancing the need for discipline with the appellant's circumstances. The Court upheld the decision of the Disciplinary Committee but modified the punishment to align with the principles of justice and fairness. In conclusion, the appeal was dismissed with a modification in the suspension period from three years to one year, highlighting the importance of upholding professional ethics and the reputation of the legal profession.
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