Legal Fraternity Stands Strong: Lawyers' Summons Withdrawn by ED

The Enforcement Directorate withdrew its summons to senior lawyer Pratap Venugopal after the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association raised concerns about attorney-client confidentiality and independence. The ED's actions were criticized for threatening these freedoms, leading to a call for judicial intervention to uphold lawyer-client privilege.

In a significant turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has withdrawn its summons to senior lawyer Pratap Venugopal. This action followed a strong intervention by the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCAORA), urging the Chief Justice of India to address the matter.

The withdrawal came after SCAORA president Vipin Nair highlighted the issuance of the summons as concerning for the legal profession's independence and the fundamental principle of lawyer-client confidentiality. The initial summons pertained to a legal opinion linked to an Employee Stock Option Plan granted by Care Health Insurance Ltd.

The legal community fears that such actions by the ED could undermine the sacrosanct lawyer-client privilege and set a dangerous precedent, risking a chilling effect across the profession. Consequently, the SCAORA has called for safeguarding constitutional protections for advocates and ensuring the independence of the bar remains intact.

(With inputs from agencies.)