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Knews DeskA new controversy has arisen after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared in the Calcutta High Court in a lawyer’s attire (black coat and gown). This case has intensified discussion in both legal and political circles. The Bar Council of India (BCI) has sought a detailed report from the West Bengal State Bar Council. BCI has asked to clarify whether Mamata Banerjee is eligible to appear as a lawyer in any case.

Main questions of BCI

BCI has asked several important questions to the State Bar Council, which include:

• Is Mamata Banerjee a lawyer enrolled with the Bar Council?
• If yes, what is their enrollment number and date?
• Is their law practice license currently valid?
• After becoming the Chief Minister, did he give any information about his leaving the practice or his suspension?
• If yes, then documents to it should be provided.
• Did he seek permission to resume practicing law later?

BCI has directed the State Bar Council to send all records and documents within two days.

Appearance and case in Calcutta High Court

This controversy came to light when Mamata Banerjee appeared in the Calcutta High Court in a case to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). This case was to the alleged violence that took place after the elections in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee told the court that party workers and offices were targeted in the state following the violence. He claimed that during this period, women, children and minority communities were also affected and about 10 people died. He sought the court’s intervention, saying West Bengal cannot be allowed to become a “bulldozer state” and safety of citizens must be ensured.

The Calcutta High Court has directed that people who have had to leave their homes or properties due to violence should be facilitated to return safely and their safety should be ensured.

Educational background and further process

Mamata Banerjee obtained her law degree from Jogesh Chandra College of Law in 1982. He also holds BA, B.Ed and MA degrees. Although he has been in active politics for a long time, a formal investigation has now begun on the legality of his appearing as a lawyer.

Now all eyes are on the report of the West Bengal State Bar Council, which will decide what is her legal status and whether she can appear as a lawyer in the court or not.