Lawyers must be able to carry out their duties and functions freely: BASL

Lawyers should be able to discharge their professional duties without any fear or hindrance, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has said.

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The BASL has, in a media statement, said there have been several instances where law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities sought to obtain access to information in the possession of Attorneys-at-Law in relation to the professional duties they discharge.

The BASL said that legal practitioners acting on the lawful instructions of their clients are bound by professional duties of confidentiality adding that the duties are firmly established under the Supreme Court Rules and the Evidence Ordinance, which prohibit disclosure of privileged communications except with clients' consent or as expressly required by Law.