The Bar Council of Delhi suspended Shakeel Khan from legal practice for eight weeks on Monday for committing professional misconduct by posting his mobile number on public walls.

The Council’s preliminary inquiry revealed that Khan painted his mobile number on various public walls throughout South Delhi, advertising himself as a specialist in divorce matters. Khan further advertised himself on one website, listing his mobile number as well.

Overall, the Council found that these actions violated Rule 36 of the Bar Council of India Rules as well as the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 2007. Rule 36 prohibits the solicitation of work, whether through communication, circulation or other advertising. The Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act prohibits the defacement—interference with the appearance—of a property or building.

The Council stated, “[t]he staff of Bar Council of Delhi also contacted Mr. Shakeel Khan on his mobile number, which prima-facie proves that Mr. Shakeel Khan has committed professional misconduct.”

As a result, the Council suspended Khan for eight weeks and is requiring him to demonstrate why he should not be “removed permanently from the rolls of Bar Council of Delhi.”