Advocate Priya Chauhan

Questions Answered by Advocate Priya Chauhan

Q: Advocate Threats & Harassment – Criminal Legal Opinion

I consulted an advocate regarding my legal matter. Before confirming the appointment, neither on phone nor on WhatsApp was I informed that the consultation was chargeable. Even after I reached the office and throughout the consultation, no one informed me that any consultation fee was payable. I noticed a fee board only after the consultation had already started. After the consultation ended, I was directly asked to pay ₹5,500. When I raised that the fee had never been disclosed before or during the consultation, I started receiving repeated WhatsApp messages and around 20 calls. Messages included: "Will talk to police tomorrow for your arrest", "Will send you in jail", "You will be in prison", "Now see the repercussions", "Last warning", and "Nahi dene ki haisiyat hai to bata de." I have complete WhatsApp chats, screenshots and call logs. Please advise whether these facts disclose any criminal offence, harassment or intimidation, and what would be the most appropriate legal remedy.

Advocate Priya Chauhan answered
Based on the facts stated, mere non-disclosure of consultation fees may primarily give rise to a civil or consumer dispute. However, repeated calls and messages threatening arrest, imprisonment, or other consequences to coerce payment may amount to criminal intimidation and harassment, depending on the exact contents and circumstances. Preserve all WhatsApp chats, call logs, and screenshots as evidence. You may file a police complaint and, if necessary, also lodge a complaint before the State Bar Council for professional misconduct if the advocate’s conduct is found to be unethical.

Q: architect office in basement south delhi colony mcd area

my cousin owns gf/ff/2nd floor + terrace bought in different yrs from previous ownersthe basement is occupied by someone running an architect office, the cousin wants to redevelop and sell the house, no one will pay full price till he has full control incl basementbasement owner is asking an exorbitant price to sellquestion is whether or not the office is even legal to run in basement looking at current mcd sealing drive and various basement incidentscan he file a complaint with mcd ?

Advocate Priya Chauhan answered
Whether an office can legally operate from a basement depends on the sanctioned building plan, land use, and applicable MCD building bye-laws. If the basement is being used in violation of the sanctioned plan or safety norms, a complaint can be filed with the MCD for inspection and appropriate action. However, such action cannot be used merely as a means to compel the basement owner to sell. Before proceeding, obtain the sanctioned building plan and verify whether the present use of the basement is authorized.

Q: cc case 319 crpc detailed answer required interested answer

in ongoing 319 hearing, respondent are now claiming that they did not receive the revised petition. However, they have already filed a detailed counter addressing the contents of the petition.Rejoinder was also filed by petitioner after their counter...The Court docket dated 18.06.2026 records that the petitioner side was heard and the respondent side was heard in part. In these circumstances, does the respondents' present stand appear false and intended only to delay, how to respond to this ..

Advocate Priya Chauhan answered
If the respondents have already filed a detailed counter dealing with the contents of the revised petition and the petitioner has filed a rejoinder thereto, their subsequent plea of non-receipt of the revised petition appears inconsistent with the record. The court docket also reflects that both sides were heard. You may point out these facts and request the court to reject any unnecessary adjournment, unless the respondents can demonstrate actual prejudice caused by non-service. The court will consider the overall conduct of the parties before granting any further opportunity.

Q: Bound down by executive magistrate by way of bonds

We have executed bonds but other party has not. IO has been asked to appear on request of other party. Upon execution of bonds, Executive Magistrate has asked us you need not come now to court. Magistrate staff says that his court is only for peace and not for adducing evidence or punishment. How the case will proceed as far as we are concerned.

Advocate Priya Chauhan answered
From the facts stated, these appear to be preventive proceedings before the Executive Magistrate for maintaining peace and not a criminal trial. Since you have already executed the bond and have been exempted from appearing, no further action is required unless the court issues a fresh summons. If the opposite party fails to execute the bond, the Magistrate may take action as per law. Any separate FIR or criminal case, if pending, will continue independently before the competent court.