Client Files on Lawyers’ Devices Not Protected Under Section 132 BSA: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court issued detailed directions regulating how investigators can seize or demand production of advocates’ digital devices.

The Bench clarified that documents belonging to clients but kept in an advocate’s custody are not protected under Section 132 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).

The Court held that in criminal cases, such production must comply with Section 94 of BNSS and Section 165 of BSA while in civil matters, it must follow Section 165 of the BSA and Order 16, Rule 7, CPC. 

The Court stressed strict adherence to procedural safeguards to protect client confidentiality and prevent misuse.