New Delhi, Aug 12 (KNS): The Supreme Court on Tuesday declared itself the “custodian of all citizens of the country” as it reserved its verdict in a suo motu case examining whether probe agencies can summon lawyers while they are representing clients.

A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria made the observation while hearing submissions from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Attorney General R Venkataramani, senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, and representatives of bar bodies, including the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA).

The court stressed that lawyers must be protected as part of the administration of justice, but cautioned that any deviation from professional conduct such as advising on tampering or fabricating evidence would remove their immunity.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“We cannot create two classes of lawyers,” the bench observed.

The matter stems from concerns raised after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned senior advocates, prompting criticism from bar bodies, which called it a “disturbing trend” undermining the legal profession. The ED has since issued guidelines barring the summoning of advocates, except with the agency director’s approval.

The bench has directed all parties to file written submissions within a week before pronouncing its final order.(KNS)