Controversial lawyer VK Lingam still cannot practice law after the High Court in Kuala Lumpur dismissed his application to challenge the Advocates and Solicitors Disciplinary Board's (ASDB) decision to bar him from practising.

High Court deputy registrar Norazlin Othman read the decision to Malaysian Bar representative Fahri Azat and Lingam's lawyer R Thayalan.

"After hearing submissions and looking at the appeal record, the court is satisfied in dismissing the case.

"The decision by the ASDB to bar him on Nov 11, 2015 stands, " Norazlin said when reading the decision by Justice Kamaludin Md Said.

Justice Kamaludin ordered Lingam to pay RM5,000 in costs.

Lingam was barred from practising on Nov 6, 2015 following an allegation of misconduct to conspire or interfere in judicial appointments.

The ASDB proceeding took place following a Royal Commission of Inquiry which had been held over a video clip of Lingam allegedly exerting influence in the appointment of senior judges.

Initially the disciplinary committee had imposed a RM20,000 fine and suspended Lingam for a year, but the board then struck him off the rolls.

Lingam filed an originating motion against the Malaysian Bar on Dec 15, 2015 to challenge the board's decision to disbar him. He claimed that the disciplinary committee's report could not be sustained in law and facts, and hence it could not be affirmed by the board.