Delhi HC: Lawyers Can't Be Forced to Reveal Client Document Sources, Upholds Attorney-Client Privilege

• The Delhi High Court ruled that lawyers cannot be compelled to disclose the source of documents filed on behalf of their clients.
• Justice Neena Bansal Krishna stated this violates Section 126 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, which protects attorney-client privilege.
• The court set aside a sessions court order that required McDonald's lawyers to file affidavits explaining how certain documents were obtained.
• The ruling clarifies that once a client hands over a document, the act and circumstances are covered by professional confidentiality.
• Disclosure is only permissible under Section 126's exception if there's prima facie evidence of illegal purpose, not merely to seek truth.

Why It Matters: Delhi HC upholds attorney-client privilege, preventing courts from compelling lawyers to disclose client document sources.