Litigant has no absolute right to appear as party-in-person - P & H HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that there is no absolute right for a litigant to self-represent in court, with such permission being at the discretion of the court under Section 32 of the Advocates Act, 1961. 

The judgment arose when two litigants sought to represent themselves in a case involving alleged police misconduct.

The court highlighted the risks of self-representation, particularly the lack of legal expertise, and emphasized the role of advocates in ensuring proper legal proceedings.

The petition was dismissed, with the court directing the matter to the appropriate Judicial Magistrate.