New Delhi, Sept. 12 -- The Supreme Court's full court has decided not to strip senior advocate Rishi Malhotra of his gown despite a severe indictment of his professional conduct in a recent judgment, opting instead to let him off with a stern warning. The unanimous decision came after Malhotra tendered an unconditional apology in response to a show-cause notice issued to him in March.

People familiar with the matter confirmed that the full court, convened last week by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai, adopted a resolution to condone Malhotra while cautioning him that any repeat of such lapses could cost him his designation.

"The full court took into consideration all aspects of the matter and the apology given by Malhotra be...