New Delhi:Former West BengalChief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s dramatic appearance before the Calcutta High Court in advocate’s robes on Wednesday has now triggered scrutiny from the Bar Council of India (BCI), which has formally sought details regarding her enrolment and legal practice status from the Bar Council of West Bengal. This comes after visuals showed Banerjee appearing before the High Court wearing the attire prescribed for advocates and making submissions in connection with a politically sensitive post-poll violence case in Bengal.
In a letter dated May 14, 2026, accessed by Times Now, the Bar Council of India directed the Bar Council of West Bengal to furnish detailed records relating to Banerjee’s enrolment as an advocate, her present status on the State Roll of Advocates and whether any suspension or resumption of practice had been recorded during her years in constitutional public office. The BCI has sought the information within two days, before May 16.
Statement by Bar Council Of India
The communication, signed by BCI Secretary KS Balasubramanian, referred to media reports about Banerjee’s appearance before the Calcutta High Court “in advocate’s robes / legal attire, including white bands.” The letter noted that under the Advocates Act and Bar Council rules, standards of professional conduct and practice are regulated by statutory provisions governing advocates across the country.
The Bar Council specifically sought details on four points, Banerjee’s enrolment number and date with the State Bar Council of West Bengal, whether her enrolment remains active on the State Roll of Advocates, whether she currently holds a valid Certificate of Practice and whether any suspension or resumption of legal practice was recorded during her tenure in constitutional positions.
The development follows Banerjee’s high-profile appearance at the Calcutta High Court in connection with a PIL related to alleged post-poll violence in Bengal. Visuals of the former Chief Minister wearing a lawyer’s gown and bands quickly went viral, triggering sharp political reactions and legal debate over her eligibility to actively practise law while holding constitutional office in the past.
Banerjee had earlier publicly stated that she was a lawyer and retained the right to practise in the High Court whenever she wished. In 2022, she had remarked during a public event that she was “also a member of the bar council” and had appeared in certain human rights cases.
Speaking before the court, she said, "We want the protection of people of Bengal. Police should take FIR action. I don’t want to take any name, you can guess him. Please protect the lives of people. Please pass an interim order so that police can behave properly."
In a post on X, the TMC said: “Our Hon’ble Chairperson Smt @MamataOfficial personally reached the Calcutta High Court today to argue in a matter concerning the widespread post-poll violence unleashed across Bengal by @BJP4Bengal.”
The former ruling party in West Bengal asserted that once again, Banerjee has shown what “truly sets her apart”.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
