On 14 May, Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Calcutta High Court as a lawyer. A Trinamool Congress supremo argued in a case related to post-election violence in West Bengal.
Social media reacted to the former chief minister’s role as a lawyer. Many of them were convinced that she was not legally qualified to practice law.
“I wonder why the lawyers accompanying Mamta didn’t tell her about her incapacity to appear in court due to not having a practicing certificate…” wrote one of them.
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Mamata Banerjee appeared in the Calcutta High Court to argue a case related to the post-election violence in West Bengal. She represented a petition regarding alleged attacks on party offices and workers following the election results.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) is looking into the details of Mamata Banerjee’s statutory registration and practice status. They have asked the West Bengal Bar Council for her registration number, date of registration and whether her practice certificate is valid, suspended or whether she has suspended her practice during her tenure as Chief Minister.
Reactions on social media have been mixed. Some users questioned her fitness to practice law without being a member of the Bar Council, while others praised her move as a sign of leadership and continued fight for justice.
According to prevailing practice, a person holding a constitutional office or a gainfully employed person must have his or her attorney’s license suspended while in service. A suspended license must be revived in order to practice law again.
The BCI has asked for factual verification of Banerjee’s enrollment and practice, including her registration number and date, whether her name is on the state roll of advocates, details of any voluntary suspension or termination of practice during her chief ministership and the status of her current practicing certificate.
“This is TMC hypocrisy at its peak. After years of jungle paradise terror on BJP workers, Mamata’s court drama and crocodile tears are disgusting. BJP won fair and square – no more excuses. Bengal lion has roared loudly. Time to face reality!” one user commented.
Read also | Mamata arrives at HC in legal garb to discuss post-poll violence case
“This is unfair! If Sunny Deol could be a lawyer in Damini, why not her?” came the sarcastic comment.
One user wrote: “Had she joined the WB Bar Council at any given time, her name would surely have to be on the backlog or lay bar list by now.”
“I also looked online and found out he only has a law degree. NO bar membership or license to practice. This was just a costume drama,” came another.
“As soon as Vijay became Chief Minister, Didi became an actress and suddenly took on the role of a lawyer,” another user noted.
Read also | Abhishek’s nephew Mamata Banerjee’s security outside their homes ‘reduced’
However, there were some social media users who praised the former CM’s move.
“What a historic day! Full respect to Mamata,” wrote one of them.
“Excellent, this is how opposition leaders should lead; from the streets to the courtrooms,” another user wrote.
Another user wrote, “Didi says she is now a free bird, BJP will now understand how much more dangerous opposition leader Mamata Banerjee is than Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.”
“She’s always a fighter,” another user declared.
BCI seeks clarification
Meanwhile, the Bar Council of India has directed the West Bengal Bar Council to provide details of Mamata Banerjee’s statutory registration and practice status. BCI issued its letter on 14-May-14 itself, signed by Chief Secretary Srimant Sen.
The BCI noted that Banerjee served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2011 to 2026. It cited the BCI rules prescribing professional conduct, etiquette and dress standards for advocates appearing before courts and tribunals.
Read also | BCI seeks report from WB Bar Council on Mamata Banerjee’s legal practice
BCI requested a factual verification of her registration and practice history. She expressed no opinion on the admissibility of her performance.
The BCI has sought Banerjee’s enrollment number and date of enrollment from the State Bar Council. She wants to know if her name remains on the state bar list.
She also questioned whether she had indicated a voluntary suspension or termination of practice during her tenure at the ministry. Details of any subsequent resumption of practice were also sought. BCI further wants to know if her current practice certificate is valid, suspended or otherwise.
The State Bar Council was given two days to respond.
