Supreme Court reviews rules on summoning lawyers in investigations under ED directives, calls for uniform guidelines

The Supreme Court addressed concerns over probe agencies summoning lawyers during investigations, emphasizing its role as custodian of all citizens. The court reserved its decision in a suo motu case involving the summoning of lawyers by agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in money laundering probes. The court acknowledged the need to protect lawyers as part of the justice administration but clarified that immunity does not extend to lawyers involved in criminal activities such as evidence tampering. The court noted it cannot create different classes of lawyers and called for uniform guidelines. The ED had issued a directive restricting summons to lawyers without prior approval, following criticism from bar associations. The Supreme Court Bar Association and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association had petitioned against the summoning practice, asserting it undermines legal profession foundations. The court instructed parties to file written submissions before delivering its final order.