Legal Community Rallies Against ED's Challenge to Attorney-Client Privilege

The Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCAORA) has penned a letter to Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, highlighting the implications of the Enforcement Directorate's recent summons to senior advocate Pratap Venugopal. The legal community views this move as a threat to lawyer-client confidentiality.

The Enforcement Directorate had summoned Venugopal concerning a legal opinion related to stock options granted by Care Health Insurance Ltd, implicating the senior advocate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. This step prompted reactions emphasizing the importance of legal independence and professional confidentiality.

SCAORA President Vipin Nair stressed the urgency of maintaining the independence of the legal profession and expressed concerns about the potential chilling effect on advocates. The association urged the CJI to examine the legality of such summonses and to establish guidelines safeguarding the independence of the bar.

(With inputs from agencies.)