Unauthorized persons not to address Court
Full Text
Nothing in this Code shall be deemed to authorize any person on behalf of another to address the Court in the exercise of its original civil jurisdiction, or to examine witnesses, except where the Court shall have in the exercise of the power conferred by its charter authorized him so to do, or to interfere with the power of the High Court to make rules concerning advocates, vakils and attorneys.
Plain English Summary
Section 119 prohibits unauthorized persons from addressing the High Court on its Original Side or examining witnesses on behalf of parties, strictly preserving the exclusive right of audience of enrolled legal practitioners and the High Court's charter rule-making powers.
Key Legal Elements
- Prohibition on Unauthorized Audience: Disallows unauthorized persons from addressing the High Court on its Original Side.
- Examination of Witnesses Bar: Disallows non-lawyer agents from conducting witness examinations.
- Preservation of Charter Powers: Preserves High Court's authority over enrolled advocates, vakils, and attorneys.
- Harmony with Advocates Act, 1961: Reinforces exclusive professional representation before superior courts.
Practical Note
Right of Audience, Power of Attorney Limitations & Advocates Act 1961: (1) Recognized Agent vs Right to Plead: Under Order III Rules 1 and 2, a Power of Attorney (PoA) holder or recognized agent can appear and make applications on behalf of a party, but by virtue of Section 119 read with Section 32 of the Advocates Act, 1961, a PoA holder has NO right to address the High Court or examine witnesses (*T.C. Mathai v. District & Sessions Judge, 1999*). The right to plead and examine witnesses belongs exclusively to enrolled advocates. (2) Leave of Court Exception: A non-advocate can only address the court if granted express leave under the High Court's charter or Section 32 of the Advocates Act in special circumstances.
हिंदी पाठ
इस संहिता की कोई भी बात किसी व्यक्ति को अपनी आरंभिक सिविल अधिकारिता के प्रयोग में न्यायालय को किसी अन्य की ओर से संबोधित करने के लिए या साक्षियों की परीक्षा करने के लिए प्राधिकृत करने वाली नहीं समझी जाएगी, सिवाय वहाँ के जहाँ न्यायालय ने अपने चार्टर द्वारा प्रदत्त शक्ति के प्रयोग में उसे ऐसा करने के लिए प्राधिकृत किया हो, अथवा अधिवक्ताओं (advocates), वकीलों और अटर्नियों के संबंध में नियम बनाने की उच्च न्यायालय की शक्ति में हस्तक्षेप करने वाली नहीं समझी जाएगी।