BCI Writes to West Bengal Bar Council Over Mamata’s Court Appearance
The Bar Council of India has sought clarification regarding the legal practice status of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after her recent appearance before the Calcutta High Court wearing advocate’s robes.
In a formal communication sent to the Bar Council of West Bengal, the apex legal regulatory body requested factual details related to Banerjee’s enrolment and professional standing as an advocate.
BCI Requests Verification of Enrolment and Practice Records
According to the communication issued by BCI Principal Secretary Srimanto Sen, the Council has asked the state body to confirm whether Mamata Banerjee’s name continues to remain on the official State Roll of Advocates.
The Bar Council has also sought information regarding her enrolment number, any declared suspension or discontinuation of legal practice during her tenure as Chief Minister, and whether any formal resumption of practice was later recorded.
Officials clarified that the BCI has not expressed any legal opinion on the permissibility of her courtroom appearance but is seeking documentary verification in accordance with professional conduct regulations governing advocates.
Original Records Ordered to Be Preserved
The Bar Council of India has reportedly instructed the West Bengal Bar Council to preserve all original documents and records connected to the matter without modification or reconstruction until the clarification process is completed.
Certified copies of all relevant records and supporting documents have also been requested as part of the response sought by the national body.
The state Bar Council has been asked to furnish its reply within a short timeframe.
Mamata Appeared in Court Over Post-Poll Violence Matters
The development comes shortly after Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Calcutta High Court in connection with cases related to alleged post-poll violence involving Trinamool Congress workers and supporters.
Her appearance in lawyer’s attire drew widespread political and legal attention, triggering debate across legal circles and social media platforms regarding her status as a practising advocate.
Legal and Political Attention Intensifies
The issue has now moved beyond political discussion into formal institutional scrutiny, with legal experts closely watching the Bar Council’s next steps.
The matter is expected to generate further debate on legal eligibility, professional conduct norms and the intersection of politics and courtroom practice involving elected public representatives.
