Supreme Court Rules Advocate's Duty of Confidentiality Persists After Client Relationship Ends

The Supreme Court in Rehana Khan v. Rizwan Siddiquee has clarified that an advocate's obligation of confidentiality extends beyond the end of the professional relationship with a client. The Court held that advocates are barred from using privileged information obtained from clients against them, including disclosure of such communications to the media.

The Court upheld a two-year removal of the advocate from the roll and imposed ₹5 lakh costs each on the advocate and former client. The bench also noted that both parties had prolonged the litigation over 11 years, warranting the financial penalty.