Mr Tanwar was working as a self-employed consultant for Glen Solicitors Limited (“the Firm”) at the material time. The Firm was instructed in relation to private family law proceedings under Part II of The Children Act 1989, acting on behalf of Person A, the father. Mr Tanwar had conduct of the matter. The matter proceeded in the Family Court at Leicester County Court. On 27 July 2023, the court made an order listing the matter for a final contested hearing on 24 August 2023 before Recorder Matthew O’Grady (“the Recorder”). It was a point of contention whether there was a requirement for the parties to attend at that hearing in person. Counsel appeared in person for the mother, who was also physically present. The father attended via video link. Mr Tanwar attended by telephone from Munich, Germany.

There were communication issues at that hearing which form the basis of this matter. Mr Tanwar failed to attend in person or to arrange for a suitable representative to attend on his behalf and provided misleading information to the court as to his location during the hearing. Mr Tanwar denied the allegations against him, on the basis that he had a genuine belief that the Recorder was trying to establish his credentials as a representative, and therefore it was appropriate for him to respond to the Recorder’s questions about his whereabouts with details of the Firm’s office location.

On 4 October 2023, the Recorder reported Mr Tanwar to the SRA in respect of his conduct during the hearing on 24 August 2023.

The Tribunal found both allegations proved in their entirety, including dishonesty. As the Tribunal also determined that there were no exceptional circumstances, and made an order that Mr Tanwar be struck off the Roll of Solicitors.