Supreme Court upholds advocate's two-year suspension for disclosing client's confidential info

The case concerns a dispute between a former client (Rehana Khan) and her former advocate (Rizwan Siddiquee) regarding allegations of professional misconduct, specifically the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information and issuance of legal notices. The Supreme Court is reviewing the disciplinary order that suspended the advocate from practice for two years and imposed a fine.

Appellant: Rehana Khan; Respondent: Rizwan Siddiquee (Advocate); Bench: Justice Vikram Nath; Additional Party: Secretary, Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa.

• The Court noted that the matter arises from a Disciplinary Committee order dated 11th August 2025.
• The Disciplinary Committee had previously directed the removal of the respondent's name from the roll of advocates for two years.
• The Disciplinary Committee had imposed a fine of Rs. 3,00,000 payable to the appellant and Rs. 2,00,000 to the Bar Council Welfare Fund.
• The Court identified two core questions: whether the findings of professional misconduct are sustainable and whether the punishment imposed is inadequate.
• The Court stated that neither the appellant nor the respondent leaves the Court with credit, citing a lack of candor from both sides.

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