The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed the Bar Council of West Bengal to furnish records relating to the enrolment and practice status of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after she reportedly appeared before the Calcutta High Court wearing advocate robes.

In a letter dated May 14, 2026, BCI Principal Secretary Srimanto Sen referred to the Bar Council rules governing professional conduct, etiquette, and dress code for advocates appearing before constitutional courts, tribunals, and other authorities.

The BCI noted that Banerjee served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2011 to 2026 and sought verification of her enrolment and practice-related records without expressing any opinion on the legality of her appearance in court robes.

“Having regard to the constitutional public office held by her during the said period and without expressing any opinion at this stage on the permissibility or otherwise of such appearance, the Bar Council of India requires the factual status of her enrolment, practice, suspension, if any, and resumption, if any, to be verified from your records,” the letter stated.

The State Bar Council has been directed to submit the information within two days, by May 16.

The BCI has sought details including Banerjee’s enrolment number, date of enrolment, and whether her name continues on the State Roll of Advocates. It has also asked whether she had informed the Bar Council about suspension, cessation, or voluntary discontinuation of legal practice during her tenure as Chief Minister.

Additionally, the Council has requested records regarding any later application for resumption of practice, the status of any certificate of practice issued in her favour, and whether such certificate is active, suspended, or otherwise.

The communication further directs the State Bar Council to produce certified copies of all relevant documents and preserve the original records without alteration, correction, or reconstruction pending submission of its reply.