Raj Dayal’s case against the State: Supreme Court highlights potential infringement of Code of Ethics

Supreme Court Justice, Mrs Nirmala Devat, has asked barrister Avineshwur Raj Dayal whether he might be infringing the Code of Ethics of the legal profession by representing his own father in a case where the latter is suing the State. 

Raj Dayal is a former Minister of the Environment who had to step down for possible involvement in a graft case. A voice recording was remitted to the anticorruption agency by businessman Patrick Soobhany where a voice attributed to Mr Dayal can be heard asking for political donations.

The former Minister, who was also removed as Commissioner of Police previously, is seeking damages of Rs 1 billion from the State for his destitution as CP on 31 January 2000. The case was called before Justice Nirmala Devat on Wednesday. Counsel for the plaintiff, Avineshwur Raj Dayal asked and obtained a postponement in order to make his legal stand known regarding a preliminary objection raised by the State. 

Before the hearing drew to a close, the Judge asked counsel Dayal whether he would be infringing the Code of Ethics if his client also happens to be his father. The barrister replied that he has taken on-board the views expressed by Justice Devat and will take appropriate actions. The case will be called again on 24 November.