SC stays Delhi HC order on advocate's office

Business Standard · india

The Supreme Court has stayed directions from the Delhi High Court that permitted Goods and Services Tax authorities to search an advocate's office. The apex court questioned how investigating authorities could independently determine if seized material is protected by attorney-client privilege. While allowing the GST department to collect evidence, the court raised concerns about segregating confidential information. The interim order specifically stayed the High Court's directions concerning the cloning and examination of seized computer data, though it did not halt coercive actions against the advocate.