Courts Cannot Force Lawyers to Reveal Source of Client Documents: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court held that courts cannot compel advocates to disclose the source of documents filed on behalf of their clients, as such a direction would violate attorney-client privilege under Section 126 of the Indian Evidence Act.

The Court observed that once a client hands over documents to a lawyer for legal defence, both the act of handing over and the source of the documents form part of protected professional communication.

It noted that while courts may seek the truth, they cannot override statutory confidentiality unless there is prima facie material showing the communication was for an illegal purpose.

The Court accordingly set aside the impugned order.

[McDonalds India Ltd. v. State of NCT of Delhi]