Bar Council seeks Mamata Banerjee’s practice records after her appearance in Calcutta High Court

The development came days after Banerjee suffered a major electoral setback and appeared in court to represent her party’s position.

In a letter sent to the Bar Council of West Bengal, the Bar Council of India asked for factual information regarding Banerjee’s enrolment, practice status, any suspension from legal practice, and any subsequent resumption.

The letter noted that Banerjee served as Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2011 to 2026 and said the council wanted to verify her status in official records without expressing any opinion on the legality of her court appearance.

The state Bar Council was asked to submit the information within two days.

The Bar Council of India requested Banerjee’s enrolment number and date, confirmation of whether her name currently remains on the rolls, and records showing whether she informed the Bar Council about suspension or cessation of practice during her tenure as Chief Minister.

It also sought details of any application to resume practice, the status of any Certificate of Practice issued in her name, and any other documents relating to her entitlement to practise law during or after holding public office.

Mamata Banerjee appears in High Court

Earlier in the day, Banerjee appeared before a division bench comprising Justices Sujoy Paul and Partha Sarathi Sen.

She urged the court to intervene over alleged violence and attacks on party offices that she said had taken place since the Assembly election results were declared on May 4.

Banerjee told the court that women and members of minority communities had been among those affected by the violence.

'Chor' slogans raised outside court

As Banerjee left the court premises, a section of advocates raised "chor, chor" (thief, thief) slogans.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, she alleged that she had been assaulted.

Kalyan Banerjee, who accompanied her to court, alleged that lawyers influenced by the BJP had attempted to heckle the former Chief Minister.

Under Indian law, advocates must be enrolled with a state Bar Council or the Bar Council of India to practise in court.

In addition to a Master’s degree in Islamic History, Banerjee also holds degrees in Education and Law.