The Margao Municipal Council’s decision to include advocate chambers under the trade licence system is unfair and goes against legal principles. The council should not make decisions based on personal preferences. Imposing trade licence fees on advocate chambers/offices is based on the wrong assumption that they engage in commercial activity. Advocates do not run a business or trade—law is a noble profession, not a commercial activity. Unlike businesses, legal services are personal and depend on an individual’s skill and knowledge. Law firms do not need separate registration if their lawyers are already recognised by the Bar Council of India (BCI). The BCI’s rules clearly prohibit lawyers from actively engaging in any trade or profession. Therefore, legal practice cannot be classified as a business, trade, or commercial activity.
