"Is Mamata authorized to practice law", asks Bar Council of India

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has officially intervened following former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s dramatic appearance in lawyer’s robes at the Calcutta High Court. In a formal letter issued on May 14, the BCI directed the Bar Council of West Bengal to provide an urgent and detailed report on Banerjee’s professional standing. The national body is seeking to verify whether the TMC chief followed the mandatory "standards of professional conduct and etiquette" required for an advocate to appear before a High Court, especially given her 15-year tenure in a constitutional public office.

The BCI’s inquiry centers on the technicalities of Banerjee's legal enrollment and whether she maintained an active license while serving as Chief Minister from 2011 to 2026. Principal Secretary Srimanto Sen has requested specific data, including her enrolment number, the date of her registration, and whether her name currently exists on the State Roll of Advocates. The Council is particularly interested in knowing if Banerjee filed for a voluntary suspension of practice during her time in office, as required by law for advocates holding salaried or public positions, and if she formally applied for resumption before appearing in court.

This administrative move places the State Bar Council under a strict two-day deadline, requiring a response by May 16. The BCI has emphasized that the information must be pulled from "contemporaneous official records," such as the enrolment register and inward receipt files. The investigation seeks to determine if any "certificate of practice" in Banerjee’s favor is currently valid or active. While the BCI stated it is not yet expressing an opinion on the permissibility of her appearance, the request for factual status suggests a rigorous review of her entitlement to don the advocate's gown.