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Former CM, Now Advocate? Inside the BCI Notice Questioning Mamata Banerjee’s Appearance in Advocate Robes in Calcutta HC

Shubhi
BCI Seeks Mamata Banerjee Practice Status

On 14 May 2026, the Bar Council of India (BCI) issued a notice to State Bar Council of West Bengal directing it to furnish information regarding enrolment and practice status of Ms. Mamata Banerjee, former Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Key highlights:

  1. BCI issued this notice after it was reported in various media reports that Ms. Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Hon’ble Calcutta High Court wearing advocate’s robes, including white bands.

  2. BCI referred to the Bar Council of India Rules, particularly Part VI, Chapter IV, which regulates the attire to be worn by advocates before courts and tribunals.

  3. It further stated that, considering her tenure as CM from 2011 to 2026, it is necessary to verify her factual enrolment and practice status, without expressing any opinion on the permissibility of her appearance.

  4. Accordingly, the BCI directed the Bar Council of West Bengal to furnish detailed information from its official records regarding the following:

    • Her enrolment number, if she is enrolled with the State Bar Council of West Bengal.

    • The date of her enrolment.

    • Whether her name currently continues on the State Roll of Advocates.

    • Whether she had, during her tenure as Chief Minister, given any intimation of voluntary suspension, cessation, or suspension of practice.

  5. BCI further requires clarification on additional aspects, including:

    • Details and copies of any such intimation of suspension, along with dates and records.

    • Whether she subsequently applied for resumption of practice.

    • The date of such application for resumption of practice and whether it was accepted or taken on record.

    • The status of any Certificate of Practice issued in her favour, including whether it is valid, active, or suspended.

    • Any other relevant records relating to her entitlement to practise law during or after her tenure as Chief Minister.

  6. The WB Bar Council has been instructed to furnish certified copies of all supporting documents, including extracts from the enrolment registers, State Roll, practice records, and related files, duly authenticated by the Secretary.

  7. The BCI directed that all information must be based strictly on contemporaneous official records and that original records must be preserved without any alteration pending submission of the reply.

  8. BCI has emphasised that the matter is urgent, and the response is required to be submitted within two days, i.e., by 16 May 2026.

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[BCI Letter to State Bar Council of West Bengal, dt. 14-5-2026]

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