Supreme Court Upholds Legal Privilege for Advocates

The Supreme Court dismissed a defamation case against senior advocate Vikas Pahwa, affirming that his statements in court were protected by privilege. The decision supports previous rulings by the Delhi High Court, confirming that lawyers' statements during judicial proceedings are shielded from defamation claims.

The Supreme Court dismissed a defamation lawsuit against senior advocate Vikas Pahwa on Monday, ruling that his courtroom statements were not defamatory and were protected by legal privilege. Justices Dipankar Datta and Sandeep Mehta upheld the Delhi High Court's earlier decision, which had similarly dismissed the charges.

The lawsuit stemmed from statements Pahwa allegedly made during judicial proceedings on July 14, 2022, against Pankaj Oswal. Representing Oswal's mother in a criminal revision case, Pahwa faced defamation accusations from Oswal, who initially filed the suit in the Delhi High Court. Both a single judge bench and a division bench dismissed Oswal's claims, citing the absolute privilege offered to lawyers in court.

The Supreme Court's decision reaffirms that statements made by lawyers in court, especially when following client instructions, are protected from defamation claims. Pahwa expressed satisfaction, stating that all three courts recognized his actions as part of his professional responsibilities, underlining the fundamental legal privilege granted to lawyers.

(With inputs from agencies.)