New Delhi, Oct. 31 -- In a landmark judgment aimed at upholding the sanctity of attorney-client privilege and reinforcing the independence of the Bar, the Supreme Court today ruled that lawyers cannot be summoned by investigating agencies merely for the legal advice rendered to their clients, unless there exists substantial reasons approved at a senior supervisory level.
A three-judge Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai and Justices K. Vinod Chandran and N.V. Anjaria underscored that while advocates are not immune from criminal investigation, "a vital distinction must be maintained between professional legal advice which is protected and participation in criminal acts, which is not."The Court observed that its directio...