The Calcutta High Court held that authorities cannot insist on a trade licence for registering a partnership firm formed solely for legal practice. The court directed the Registrar of Firms, Societies and Non-Trading Corporations, West Bengal, to register M/s Pinava Legal’s application within two weeks.
The Allahabad High Court quashed criminal proceedings against advocates, holding that lawyers cannot face prosecution for acts performed during professional duties, observing that treating legal representation as criminal conspiracy would undermine the legal profession and citizens’ valuable right to effective legal assistance and defence.
The Supreme Court has sought an explanation from the Uttar Pradesh Bar Council after allegations surfaced that it charges Rs 2,500 for “oral interviews” before enrolling new advocates. The Court said the practice appears to violate its ruling that no Bar Council can collect fees beyond the statutory limit.
