Legal Community Stands Against ED's Actions on Senior Advocates

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCAORA) have expressed strong disapproval over the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) notices issued to senior advocates Arvind Datar and Pratap Venugopal. The bar bodies view these actions as undermining the very foundation of the legal profession.

The ED, an anti-money laundering agency, had issued and subsequently retracted its summons to the senior counsel, which stirred unease within the legal circles. The SCBA and SCAORA officials emphasized that such moves challenge the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession—key pillars of India's constitutional framework.

Legal professionals underscored that the actions of the ED could infringe on the protected lawyer-client privilege and endanger the ability of lawyers to provide independent legal advice. The bar bodies have urged the Chief Justice of India to consider this issue and ensure the safeguarding of constitutional and professional rights of advocates.

(With inputs from agencies.)