SC protects defense lawyers from investigation summons citing threat to legal profession autonomy and judicial independence

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....The SC restrained investigating agencies from summoning defense counsel who represented an accused party, holding that such summons undermine legal profession autonomy and threaten judicial independence. The petitioner-advocate contended he was neither accused nor witness but merely discharged professional duties under Article 19(1)(g) constitutional rights and Section 132 BSA protections. The Court emphasized that permitting direct summons of defense counsel by investigating agencies would seriously compromise administration of justice. Notice was issued to Attorney General, Solicitor General, Bar Council of India, and Supreme Court bar associations for assistance. The respondent-State was restrained from summoning petitioner, with stay granted on the impugned notice dated 24.03.2025 and subsequent notices pending further orders from Chief Justice.....