Delhi HC directs consumer forums to ensure representation by legal professionals

The Delhi High Court ruled that only advocates can represent litigants in consumer fora, following a plea from the Delhi Bar Association.

The association highlighted concerns over non-advocates using authority letters to appear on behalf of clients, which undermines legal integrity and violates the Consumer Protection Regulations, 2014. 

The court directed the Delhi government and Bar Councils to provide their responses and details of pending cases involving unauthorized representation.

The court cited the Advocates Act of 1961, specifically Sections 29 and 30, which grant exclusive rights to lawyers to practice law, and listed the matter for hearing in March 2025.