The Bar Council of India (BCI) has requested the West Bengal Bar Council to provide detailed information regarding Mamata Banerjee's enrolment as an advocate. This development comes just hours after the former chief minister appeared before the Calcutta High Court dressed in an advocate's attire on Thursday.
BCI's Request for Records
In a letter addressed to the Bar Council of West Bengal, BCI Principal Secretary Srimanto Sen stated that the details are necessary to determine whether Banerjee is entitled to wear an advocate's attire immediately after ceasing to hold public office. Banerjee served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2011 to 2026.
The BCI has specifically sought certified copies of original records related to Banerjee from the State Advocate's Roll. These include the enrolment register, certificate of practice records, inward and receipt registers, suspension or cessation of practice records, resumption records, and any related file noting or orders.
Preservation of Original Documents
The BCI has directed the West Bengal Bar Council to preserve all original records pertaining to Banerjee's enrolment and practice. The required information must be submitted to the BCI within two days.
This move by the BCI aims to verify the legitimacy of Banerjee's status as an advocate and whether her licence to practice was kept suspended during her tenure as Chief Minister. The outcome of this inquiry will clarify if she can resume legal practice without any restrictions.
