The Bar Council of India (BCI) has raised questions over the legal status of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following her appearance in lawyer’s robes before the Calcutta High Court on Thursday, triggering a fresh controversy over her credentials as a practicing advocate.
In a strongly worded communication, the BCI has asked the West Bengal Bar Council to provide detailed clarification on Banerjee’s enrollment as an advocate, her current practice status, and whether her Certificate of Practice is valid and in force. The Council has also sought records relating to any suspension, discontinuation or resumption of her legal practice.
The state Bar Council has been directed to submit all relevant documents within two days.
The development comes hours after Banerjee made an unprecedented courtroom appearance in traditional black legal robes and personally argued a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Calcutta High Court. The petition, filed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), sought judicial intervention over alleged post-poll violence in West Bengal, with the party claiming that miscreants were being “patronised by the BJP.”
Also read: Mamata Banerjee appears in lawyer’s robes at Calcutta HC
During the hearing, Banerjee presented photographs before the bench, including images she said showed victims of violence. She alleged that fear had gripped large sections of the population, claiming that women, children and minority communities were being targeted. In an emotional submission, she told the court, “Why must people be attacked? I appeal to you with folded hands, please do something.”
The courtroom appearance drew immediate political and legal attention, as it marked a rare instance of a senior political leader directly arguing a case in court. Banerjee had previously appeared before the Supreme Court in her capacity as Chief Minister but had not argued as a practicing advocate in that instance.
With the BCI now seeking verification of her legal standing, the focus has shifted to the West Bengal Bar Council’s response, which is expected to determine whether Banerjee’s courtroom participation complies with professional regulations governing advocates in India.
The controversy has added a new legal dimension to an already politically charged case, placing scrutiny not only on the allegations of post-poll violence but also on the procedural validity of her courtroom appearance.
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