Contempt Proceedings Against Rajiv Menon KC: A Statement by the Criminal Team at Doughty Street Chambers

Doughty Street Chambers was established in 1990. Two of its founding principles, which continue to inform its core values, are its commitment to the rule of law and to the right to a fair trial. Those principles are fundamental to the fair and lawful conduct of criminal proceedings. 

For the right to a fair trial to be meaningful, the state, through its politicians and judges, should not improperly restrict or punish advocates for discharging their professional duties. A system which exposes its advocates to criminal sanction and imprisonment through unpredictable judicial procedures, is a system which runs a grave risk of compromising that crucial right. 

The Criminal Team at Doughty Street Chambers is following the contempt proceedings against Rajiv Menon KC, and issues this public statement of concern about the implications for fair trial rights in practice.  We recall in particular Article 20 of the United Nations’ Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers: 

“Lawyers shall enjoy civil and penal immunity for relevant statements made in good faith in written or oral pleadings or in their professional appearances before a court, tribunal or other legal or administrative authority.”

Doughty Street Crime team members’ thoughts are with Rajiv and his family through this difficult time.