The Telangana High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by advocate, who sought protection from coercive action in connection with an Economic Offences Wing (EOW) investigation. The Court held that the Telangana Advocates Protection Act, 2026 is intended to safeguard advocates while performing their professional duties and cannot be invoked to prevent lawful investigation into alleged criminal activities.
Background of the Case
The petition was filed by advocate Karanam Rajesh Kumar, who is arrayed as Accused No.11 in FIR No.62 of 2026 registered by the Economic Offences Wing, Cyberabad. He argued that the investigating authorities had proceeded against him without following the safeguards contained in Section 14 of the Telangana Advocates Protection Act, 2026 and the procedural provisions under Sections 35 to 62 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. He also contended that he was willing to cooperate with the investigation and that no coercive steps should be taken against him.
The State opposed the plea, submitting that the investigation indicated the petitioner's alleged involvement in preparing fake Government Orders and related forged documents. It further informed the Court that his anticipatory bail application had already been dismissed and that another petition seeking quashing of the proceedings was pending.
Court's Observations
After considering the submissions, Justice T. Madhavi Devi observed that the Telangana Advocates Protection Act was enacted to protect advocates from violence, intimidation, property damage and similar offences committed against them while discharging their professional duties.
The bench observed,
“The said enactment is not meant for the purpose of protection of advocates against action for alleged illegal activities carried on by them.”
The Court also noted that the statutory procedure governing arrest and investigation is already contained in the BNSS and recorded the State's submission that the investigation was being conducted in accordance with those provisions. It further took note of the earlier dismissal of the petitioner's anticipatory bail application.
Court's Decision
Finding no merit in the plea, the Telangana High Court dismissed the writ petition and declined to issue any directions restraining the investigation.
The Court also ordered that there would be no order as to costs and directed that all pending miscellaneous applications stand closed.
Case Details
Case Title: Karanam Rajesh Kumar v. The State of Telangana and 6 Others
Case Number: Writ Petition No. 20568 of 2026
Judge: Justice T. Madhavi Devi
Decision Date: 02 July 2026
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