Mamata’s black robes point to grey areas

Can a former chief minister simply wear an advocate’s gown? The answer matters, otherwise, tomorrow, retired actors may claim surgical privileges because they played doctors

Indian politics has produced many transformations. Revolutionaries becomeadministrators, agitators become constitutionalists, and occasionally politicians rediscover forgotten professions at strategically dramatic moments. But Mamata Banerjee’s recent appearance before the Calcutta high court, in full advocate attire, has produced a constitutional question more intriguing than the courtroom appearance itself: Can one simply dust off a black gown after decades in politics, and walk into court as though one merely returned from a slightly extended lunch break?

The Bar Council of India apparently thought the question deserved more than television debate. It reportedly sought clarification from West Bengal Bar Council, regarding Banerjee’s enrolment and professional status. That inquiry alone reveals something important: advocate robes are not theatrical costumes available for constitutional cosplay.

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