Running of lawyer's office in residential basement is not "commercial activity": Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court quashed a complaint by the NDMC against Advocate B.K. Sood for using his basement as a lawyer’s office, holding that running a legal practice does not amount to a “commercial activity.”

The Court cited Supreme Court precedents and emphasised that the legal profession is distinct from trade or commerce. It noted no violation of the Master Development Plan 2001 or Delhi Building Bye‑Laws, 1983, which allow basement offices for professionals under specifications.

The Court further held that continuation of the complaint, pending for over two decades, would amount to abuse of process and dismissed all proceedings.

[B K Sood Vs North Delhi Municipal Corporation]