Ranchi, July 11: A cross-section of members of Jharkhand State Bar Council have expressed dissatisfaction over the working of the council under the chairman Bibhuti Prasad Pandey.

In a letter, the members have alleged that the body is not transparent and they are not aware of the developments within the council.

It further states that members are not briefed about letters received and dispatched by the council. All letters need to be filed to maintain records but strangely no letters can be traced.

“The council has received several complaints against advocates from district courts for which no action has been taken as yet. The matter has not been revealed to other members and we do not have a clue as to what is being done,” said a member said on condition of anonymity.

Disgruntled members have also clamoured for details of examination questions and the panel of selectors who would set the papers for law examinations. “The chairman has not co-operated with us and takes decisions on his own. No discussions are held with and the councils’ decisions are not unanimous,” another member said.

State Bar Council Bibhuti Prasad Pandey strongly refuted the charges alleged against him and said the council is functioning according to the provisions of law. No one can usurp the powers and functions of the council single-handedly.

“It is a collective effort and we will deliver. These allegations are being made by a handful of members who have been culled from doing things on their own,” Pandey said. Pandey further pointed out that all details are not made public.

Whatever is of importance is discussed with everyone before a decision is taken as it a group effort. “The legal fraternity and the interests of lawyers is our primary concern,” Pandey added.

Referring to disciplinary action on tainted advocates, Pandey said complaints received by the council are forwarded to the disciplinary committee that is authorised to conduct an inquiry and take a decision on the matter.