CAs, advocates mustn't be arrested sans proof of role in business fraud: HC

Ruling was delivered in a case in which a CA and an advocate were arrested for rendering service to exporters who were alleged to have fraudulently claimed a refund of IGST

Chartered accountants (CAs) or advocates who assist enterprises, but aren't involved in fraud committed by the latter should not be arrested, ruled the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The court delivered this ruling in a case in which a chartered accountant and an advocate representing a firm of exporters were summoned and arrested. The two had filed a petition on behalf of the exporters, who were alleged to have fraudulently claimed a refund of integrated goods and services tax (IGST).

Later, the exporters allegedly named the petitioners as party to the fraud.

The court said persons against whom there is