Law Society of Singapore v G B Vasudeven: Disciplinary Proceedings for Grossly Improper Conduct and Forgery

The Law Society of Singapore applied for disciplinary action against G B Vasudeven, an advocate and solicitor, for grossly improper conduct. Vasudeven admitted to deceiving his client, forging court documents, and misrepresenting the status of bankruptcy proceedings. The Court of Three Judges found Vasudeven guilty of professional misconduct and ordered him to be struck off the roll of advocates and solicitors. The court agreed with the Law Society's submission that the respondent should be struck off.

1. Case Overview

1.1 Court

Court of Three Judges of the Republic of Singapore

1.2 Outcome

Respondent struck off the roll of advocates and solicitors.

1.3 Case Type

Regulatory

1.4 Judgment Type

Ex Tempore Judgment

1.5 Jurisdiction

Singapore

1.6 Description

The Law Society sought disciplinary action against G B Vasudeven for forging court documents and deceiving his client. The court ordered Vasudeven to be struck off the roll.

1.7 Decision Date

2. Parties and Outcomes

Party NameRoleTypeOutcomeOutcome TypeCounsels
The Law Society of SingaporeApplicantStatutory BoardOrder for Respondent to be struck offWon
G B VasudevenRespondentIndividualStruck off the roll of advocates and solicitorsLost

3. Judges

Judge NameTitleDelivered Judgment
Andrew Phang Boon LeongJudge of AppealYes
Judith PrakashJudge of AppealNo
Belinda Ang Saw EanJudgeNo

4. Counsels

Counsel NameOrganization
M K Eusuff AliTan Rajah & Cheah
Joseph Tham Chee MingTan Rajah & Cheah
Harjean KaurAdvocatus Law LLP
Christopher Anand DanielAdvocatus Law LLP

4. Facts

  1. The respondent was instructed to commence bankruptcy proceedings.
  2. The respondent contacted Mr Suresh without his client's knowledge.
  3. The respondent deceived his client about the progress of bankruptcy proceedings.
  4. The respondent prepared a fictitious court document.
  5. The respondent forged the electronic seal of the Supreme Court.
  6. The respondent forged the signature and stamp of a Commissioner for Oaths.

5. Formal Citations

  1. Law Society of Singapore v G B Vasudeven, Originating Summons No 1 of 2019, [2019] SGHC 187

6. Timeline

DateEvent
Respondent instructed to commence bankruptcy proceedings.
Respondent contacted Mr Suresh to resolve the matter amicably.
Respondent deceived his client that bankruptcy proceedings were in progress.
Respondent prepared a fictitious affidavit.
Respondent prepared a fictitious affidavit.
Complaint made by Mr Suresh against the respondent.
Disciplinary Tribunal found the respondent guilty of three charges.
Court ordered the respondent to be struck off the roll of advocates and solicitors.

7. Legal Issues

  1. Grossly improper conduct in the discharge of professional duty
    • Outcome: The court found the respondent guilty of grossly improper conduct.
    • Category: Substantive
    • Sub-Issues:
      • Deceiving client
      • Forging court documents
      • Misrepresenting status of legal proceedings
  2. Appropriate sanction for professional misconduct
    • Outcome: The court ordered the respondent to be struck off the roll of advocates and solicitors.
    • Category: Procedural

8. Remedies Sought

  1. Disciplinary Action
  2. Striking off from the roll of advocates and solicitors

9. Cause of Actions

  • Professional Misconduct
  • Breach of Duty

10. Practice Areas

  • Regulatory Law
  • Professional Misconduct

11. Industries

  • Legal Services

12. Cited Cases

Case NameCourtAffirmedCitationJurisdictionSignificance
Janardana Jayasankarr v Public ProsecutorHigh CourtYes[2016] 4 SLR 1288SingaporeCited for the principle that sentencing is ultimately a matter for the court.
Law Society of Singapore v Chia Choon YangCourt of AppealYes[2018] 5 SLR 1068SingaporeCited for the principle that misconduct involving dishonesty on the part of a solicitor would be viewed with utmost gravity and generally be met with the most severe consequences.

13. Applicable Rules

Rule Name
No applicable rules

14. Applicable Statutes

Statute NameJurisdiction
Legal Profession Act (Cap 161, 2009 Rev Ed)Singapore

15. Key Terms and Keywords

15.1 Key Terms

  • Grossly improper conduct
  • Fictitious court document
  • Forged seal
  • Deceiving client
  • Disciplinary proceedings
  • Legal Profession Act
  • Sanction
  • Commissioner for Oaths

15.2 Keywords

  • disciplinary proceedings
  • professional misconduct
  • forgery
  • legal profession
  • Law Society of Singapore

17. Areas of Law

Area NameRelevance Score
Disciplinary Proceedings95
Legal Profession Act90
Forgery70
Fraud and Deceit65

16. Subjects

  • Professional Responsibility
  • Legal Ethics
  • Disciplinary Actions