On 25 June 2025, the Supreme Court raised significant constitutional questions about the powers of investigating agencies to summon lawyers solely for representing clients. The petition, filed by Advocate Ashwinkumar Prajapati, challenged a notice issued under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), compelling him to appear for questioning in connection with a loan dispute case where he represented the accused.
The Court observed that such actions may threaten the autonomy of the legal profession and erode attorney-client privilege protected under Section 132 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
The Court stayed the summons and referred the matter to the Chief Justice of India for broader consideration, seeking assistance from the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and legal bodies to address this matter of “grave public importance.”
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