Bar Council of India seeks Mamata Banerjee’s enrolment records
The Statesman | 15 May 2026
The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Wednesday directed its West Bengal affiliate to furnish details relating to the enrolment and practice status of former Chief Minister and Trinamul Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee within the next two days.
The BCI move came after Banerjee appeared at the Calcutta High Court dressed in advocate’s robes and pleaded during a hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding post-poll violence in the state before a division Bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen.
In a letter, the BCI directed the Bar Council of West Bengal (BCWB) to submit comprehensive records within two days.
Banerjee attended proceedings at the Calcutta High Court on Thursday in full legal attire, including bands and gown typically worn by practising advocates.
In the letter, the BCI sought to verify Banerjee’s enrollment number, registration date with the WBBC and queried whether her name features on the official roll of advocates.
The BCI also directed the WBBC to clarify whether Banerjee, who served as Chief Minister from 2011 to 2026, had at any point notified the council of voluntary suspension, cessation, or interruption of legal practice during her tenure in public office. If any such communication was made, the body has sought copies of the relevant correspondence and orders.
Further, the council has called for details on whether any application was submitted for resumption of practice after her term in office and whether a valid “Certificate of Practice” is held by her now.
It also asked the state body to clarify if any other orders or records exist concerning her entitlement to appear in court during or after her tenure as Chief Minister.
The BCI also directed that certified copies of all relevant documents ~ including entries from the State Roll, enrolment register, suspension or resumption records, inward registers and file notings ~ be sent across to them within the next two days.
It has also made it clear that the original copies of all the documents must be verified after proper examination.