Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Bar Council has suspended Bhadrak-based advocate Hemanta Kumar Nayak from legal practice for two years after he was found guilty of making obscene and derogatory remarks against judicial officers, particularly women judges, on social media.
Council Chairman Sitanshu Mohan Dwibedy announced that Nayak, a resident of Rajuali Bindha, will remain debarred from practice for two years starting from the date of the Disciplinary Committee’s order. He has also been warned against making further derogatory comments against the judiciary or engaging in other acts of professional misconduct.
Investigations revealed that Nayak, using the pseudonym “Grant Kumar Nayak Chanakya,” had been consistently posting offensive remarks on Facebook targeting judicial officers in Bhadrak, the legal system, and even the State Bar Council. He was also found to have criticised court verdicts, including those of the Orissa High Court.
The Bar Council took serious note of these actions and, in April, initiated disciplinary proceedings. A three-member committee was formed and issued several show-cause notices to Nayak. However, instead of responding, he continued to post disparaging comments questioning the council’s authority and effectiveness. He also failed to appear before the committee despite repeated opportunities.
Finding his conduct in violation of professional ethics and unbecoming of an advocate, the council imposed the suspension to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and the integrity of the legal profession.
