The document summarizes the process and procedures for handling professional misconduct complaints against architects in India according to the Architects Act of 1972 and the Council of Architecture Rules of 1973. It involves a disciplinary committee that investigates complaints, reports its findings to the Council of Architecture, which can then reprimand, suspend, or remove architects found guilty of misconduct. The entire process from initial complaint to final punishment can take up to 450 days. Issues with the current system include the lengthy time frame and lack of an appeals process. Further study is needed to determine if amendments should be made to streamline procedures and address these issues.

1. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE - III Professional misconduct of an architect and disciplinary action, quasi judicial role of COA SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE , NEW DELHI January 2010

2. ARCHITECTS ACT 1972 SECTION 30

4. Complaint & architect’s response

5. Perusal of complaint by COA

6. Procedure for inquiry before Disciplinary Committee

7. Report or Disc. Comm. before COA

9. Members – 3 nos

10. One of the Chief Architects of CPWD/MES/RLY

11. One of the two nominees of AICTE

12. One of the rest

13. Chairman

15. Complaint can be filed by any person (Natural or juridical)

16. Complainant to state & submit

17. Acts and omission of an architect

18. Oral and documentary evidence

19. Incomplete complaint

22. If COA is of the opinion that prima facie there exists a case against architect

23. It shall refer the matter to Disc. Comm., or

24. Call for more info, or

25. Dismiss the complaint

27. Architect can defend himself

28. In person, or

29. Through legal practitioner, or

30. Through an architect

31. Disc. Comm. makes it report

32. Architect is guilty

34. Accept the findings of the Disc. Comm.

35. Cause further inquiry

36. If an architect is found to be guilty

37. He is called before the bar of the council

38. An opportunity to be heard

40. Reprimand the architect, or

41. Suspend him from practice, or

42. Remove his name from the register, and

43. Pass any other order as it may thinks fit

45. No provision for appeal

47. Should the rules – 1973 be amended

48. Comparison with other professional acts

49. Comparison with acts of other countries