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1. Name of the Association

The name of the Association shall be Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court Bar Association (MMBA).

2. Objective

The objectives of the Association shall be:

  • To promote and maintain high standards of legal practice and ethical conduct among its members.
  • To protect the rights and privileges of the members.
  • To foster unity and cooperation among the legal professionals at the Madurai Bench.
  • To contribute towards the development of legal knowledge and advocacy through continuing education and interaction.
  • To represent the interests of the Bar in legal, administrative, and policy matters.

3. Membership

3.1 Eligibility for Membership
  • Any advocate enrolled with the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and practicing in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court is eligible to become a member.
  • An advocate must submit a duly filled membership application along with required documents (e.g., Bar Council enrollment, identity proof, etc.).
3.2 Types of Membership
  • Ordinary Members: Regular practicing advocates.
  • Honorary Members: Individuals who have made significant contributions to the legal profession or society.
  • Life Members: Advocates who opt for lifetime membership by paying a lump sum fee.
3.3 Admission of Members
  • The Admission Committee shall review applications and recommend acceptance or rejection to the General Body.
3.4 Rights of Members
  • Right to vote in the General Body meetings.
  • Right to stand for election to the Association’s Executive Committee.
  • Right to participate in continuing legal education programs and Bar activities.
3.5 Obligations of Members
  • Adherence to the code of ethics and professional conduct.
  • Payment of membership dues on time.
  • Participation in the activities of the Association.
  • Uphold the dignity of the legal profession.

4. Office Bearers and Their Duties

4.1 Executive Committee
  • President: The President shall preside over all meetings, represent the Association at formal events, and oversee the functioning of the Association.
  • Vice-President: The Vice-President shall assist the President and assume their duties in their absence.
  • Secretary: The Secretary shall maintain records, correspondence, and manage the day-to-day affairs of the Association.
  • Joint Secretary: The Joint Secretary shall assist the Secretary in their duties and take over in their absence.
  • Treasurer: The Treasurer shall manage the finances, including receiving membership fees, paying bills, and preparing financial reports.
  • Committee Members: Elected members who will assist in various activities as delegated by the President.
4.2 Election of Office Bearers
  • Office Bearers and Committee Members shall be elected every two years by the General Body through a fair and transparent election process.
  • A nominations committee shall be formed before the elections to oversee the nominations and ensure eligibility.

5. Meetings

5.1 General Body Meetings
  • The General Body shall meet at least once every quarter.
  • The Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held once a year to discuss the yearly report, finances, and any other important matters.
5.2 Executive Committee Meetings
  • The Executive Committee shall meet as required, with at least one meeting each month.
  • A quorum of at least half the members of the Executive Committee is required for decision-making.
5.3 Special Meetings
  • Special meetings may be called by the President or upon request by at least one-third of the members of the Executive Committee or General Body.

6. Code of Conduct

All members must adhere to the following ethical standards:

  • Professionalism: Members shall maintain professionalism in and outside the courtroom.
  • Respect for the Judiciary: All members shall respect the judiciary, its officers, and the legal system.
  • Confidentiality: Members shall maintain the confidentiality of client information and sensitive matters.
  • Disciplinary Actions: Any member violating these rules or engaging in unethical practices may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the Association, after due process.

7. Financial Management

7.1 Membership Fees
  • The annual membership fee shall be fixed by the Executive Committee and approved by the General Body.
  • Life members shall pay a lump sum fee, as decided by the Executive Committee.
7.2 Financial Accountability
  • The Treasurer shall maintain accurate financial records.
  • An external auditor shall be appointed annually to audit the financial statements of the Association.
  • All financial transactions shall be transparent and made in the best interest of the Association.

8. Amendments to the Rules

  • Any amendment to the rules and regulations of the Association shall be proposed in writing by any member and shall be adopted only if approved by a two-thirds majority of the General Body.

9. Dispute Resolution

  • Any dispute between members shall be referred to a Disciplinary Committee, which will investigate and resolve the matter fairly.
  • If required, the matter may be escalated to the General Body for resolution.

10. Dissolution

  • In the event of the dissolution of the Association, any remaining assets will be used for the benefit of the legal profession or donated to a charity chosen by the General Body.

These rules and regulations shall come into force from the date of adoption by the General Body of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court Bar Association.