The Supreme Court issued a set of binding directions to curb the arbitrary summoning of advocates by investigating agencies in criminal cases, reaffirming the sanctity of attorney–client privilege under Section 132 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, Justice K. Vinod Chandran, and Justice N.V. Anjaria delivered the judgment in a suo motu case initiated to address the misuse of investigative powers against advocates representing accused persons.

While the Court declined to frame formal guidelines or require magisterial oversight before issuing summons, it sought to harmonise evidentiary privilege with investigative procedure, outlining key directions. The Court has held that no summons shall be issued to an advocate representing an accused to seek details of the case, except under the exceptions provided in Section 132 BSA.

Judgement copy awaited for key directions.