Bar Council of India Seeks Records of Mamata Banerjee’s Advocate Status: NEW DELHI/KOLKATA — The Bar Council of India (BCI) has launched an official inquiry into the professional standing of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after she recently appeared before the Calcutta High Court donning the traditional robes of an advocate.
Mamata Banerjee appears as an Advocate before Calcutta High Court: KOLKATA — In a move that blurred the lines between political leadership and legal advocacy, former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Calcutta High Court on Thursday as a practicing lawyer. Wearing her advocate’s gown, Banerjee argued in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking protection for citizens against alleged widespread violence following the 2026 State Assembly Elections, which saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sweep to power.
Punjab & Haryana Bar Council to Probe Bench Hunting Allegations at High Court: Chandigarh – The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has initiated a formal probe into serious allegations of “bench hunting” at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The decision comes after a controversy surrounding a bribery case involving a judicial officer, where Chief Justice Sheel Nagu hinted at such practices.
First Principles Law: Former Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas Partner, Matrix Partners GC Launch Boutique Law Firm: Mumbai – In a significant development for India’s legal landscape, former Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM) Partner Akshay Jeet Bhat and former Matrix Partners General Counsel Prasad Subramanyan have announced the launch of a new boutique law firm, First Principles Law.
Ravi Shandilya Joins as Legal Head of GMR Energy: New Delhi, India – GMR Energy has announced the appointment of Ravi Shandilya as its new Head Legal. Shandilya brings a wealth of experience to his new role, with over 16 years in both leading law firms and in-house legal departments.
Lalit Bhasin Secures Another Term as SILF President, Jyoti Sagar Named Associate President: New Delhi, India – Veteran legal luminary Lalit Bhasin has been re-elected as the President of the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), reaffirming his leadership at a crucial juncture for the Indian legal fraternity. Joining him in a key leadership role is Jyoti Sagar of India’s leading law firm JSA has been appointed as the new Associate President of SILF.
Contractual Prosecutors Cannot Claim Regularisation, says Supreme Court: New Delhi, India – July 5, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India has firmly ruled that public prosecutors appointed on a contractual basis cannot claim regularisation of their services. A bench comprising Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Joymalya Bagchi upheld a decision by the Calcutta High Court, which had rejected a writ application seeking directions for regularisation by a Public Prosecutor.
Shalini Saxena Returns to Pine Labs as General Counsel Amidst IPO Preparations: New Delhi, India – July 5, 2025 – In a significant development for fintech giant Pine Labs, Shalini Saxena is set to rejoin the company as its General Counsel, a strategic move as the firm gears up for its highly anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO). Pine Labs recently filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise funds through the public offering.
BCI Considers Action Against SILF for Foreign Law Firm Comments: New Delhi, India – June 30, 2025 – The Bar Council of India (BCI) has intensified its ongoing public spat with the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), accusing its office bearers of professional misconduct and signaling a serious consideration of disciplinary action. The BCI…
