Mr Karim Khan was suspended from practice with immediate effect on 19 June by a Vice Chair of the BSB’s Independent Decision-Making Body. An interim suspension hearing took place on 10 July 2026. The panel ordered on 13 July that Mr Khan is now suspended from his practice as a barrister until the BSB or a Disciplinary Tribunal have concluded or disposed of the matters that prompted his referral to an Interim Panel or such as a Disciplinary Tribunal shall otherwise direct.
How we impose interim suspensions
We have powers that, in very serious and urgent cases, allow an immediate suspension before consideration by an interim panel. These immediate suspensions are time limited and have a maximum time period of four weeks or until the interim panel consider the matter if earlier. Barristers are informed if an immediate order is imposed.
Interim suspensions are only imposed if the decision maker is satisfied that this is the appropriate course having considered the risk to the public and the clients if such action were not taken; and the grounds for referral would warrant a charge of professional misconduct and referral to a Disciplinary Tribunal.
An interim panel is then convened to hear representations from us and the barrister whether a suspension or other restrictions are necessary whilst the underlying matter follows our enforcement processes. These hearings are held in private and if an interim panel impose an order then the details are published on the website.
