Council Of Architecture — Professional Misconduct

Address: Damodar Apartment, Phase 2, Lullanagar, Pune-411040 (Maharashtra)

Misconduct in Professional Practice: The Respondent, Ar. Vishal Gunjal (COA Registration No. CA/2021/132121), has undertaken and commenced professional interior design services for the project situated at T25-1202, Lodha Belmondo, Opp. MCA Stadium, Pune – 412101, without obtaining any formal NOC, written consent, or professional handover/clearance from the Petitioner, Ar. Nisarga Ekbote, who was the appointed design consultant and was handling the said project prior to the Respondent's appointment.
1. The Respondent was duly informed by the Petitioner over multiple phone calls, regarding the previous professional engagement, the ongoing contractual and financial disputes with the Client, and the substantial outstanding dues payable to the Petitioner and various vendors associated with the project. Despite being made aware of these circumstances, the Respondent proceeded with the project and continued professional/site activities.

2. The Petitioner subsequently issued a written communication to the Respondent on 10.08.2026, specifically informing him that no NOC or formal professional handover had been issued by the Petitioner and requesting him to immediately stop all further professional/site work until the pending matters were resolved.

3. Despite the above communication and repeated requests/warnings to discontinue the work temporarily, the Respondent has failed to provide a satisfactory response and has continued/attempted to continue professional activities at the said project.

4. The Petitioner submits that the Respondent's conduct, particularly continuing professional work despite being expressly informed of the previous architect's involvement, unresolved contractual and financial disputes, and the specific request to keep the work on hold, amounts to prima facie professional misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the professional rights and interests of the Petitioner, and warrants examination under the applicable professional conduct regulation 2(1)(xv) of the Council of Architecture.

5. The Petitioner therefore requests the Council of Architecture to take cognizance of the above facts, call for the relevant records and communications from the parties, and conduct such inquiry as may be deemed appropriate regarding the professional conduct of the Respondent. The Petitioner further reserves the right to submit additional documentary evidence, including appointment documents, correspondence, WhatsApp communications, and proof of the Respondent's continued involvement in the project.