Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo has rejected an application from disbarred lawyer Haroon Ali Shah seeking re-admission to practice law. Shah faced nine charges of professional and unprofessional misconduct between 2011 and 2012, which led to his disbarment by the Commissioner for Independent Legal Services Commission. The Chief Registrar subsequently struck his name off the Roll of Legal Practitioners.
In August 2020, Shah made a request to the Chief Justice for reinstatement. However, his petition was dismissed by the then Chief Justice Kamal Kumar in January 2020. Shah’s attempts to appeal this decision were unsuccessful, including a ruling by the Fiji Court of Appeal last year, which determined it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.
Justice Temo stated during a session that he would deny Mr. Shah’s application and plans to issue a written judgment on December 11.
The persistence exhibited by Mr. Shah in seeking to return to the legal profession reflects a determination to reinstate his career, although the legal proceedings highlight the importance of maintaining ethical standards within the profession. As the legal community continues to prioritize integrity and professionalism, this scenario serves as a reminder of the significant consequences of misconduct.
Overall, while Mr. Shah’s journey back into law remains challenging, it underscores the legal system’s commitment to upholding standards and ensuring accountability within the profession. Hope remains that individuals can learn from past mistakes and eventually contribute positively to the community.
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