Right to Practice Any Profession: SC Backs Online Therapist’s Right to Counsel Across States
A certified therapist from West Bengal was banned from offering teletherapy sessions to clients in Maharashtra, citing lack of “state-specific registration.”
She challenged the decision—and in a 2025 ruling, the Supreme Court protected her right to practice across state lines, affirming a key pillar of economic freedom:
The right to practice any profession, trade, or business across India.
Legal Foundation
Article 19(1)(g) guarantees all citizens the right to practice any lawful profession, with restrictions only in the interest of the general public.
The only acceptable limitations are:
- Licensing for health, legal, or technical fields
- Conditions that are reasonable, not arbitrary
What the Court Said
- Virtual services are pan-India by nature, and states cannot impose redundant barriers
- A licensed professional can operate across state boundaries unless there's proof of malpractice
- Over-regulation stifles the gig economy and mental health ecosystem
“India is one nation. Its professionals cannot be divided by artificial borders.”
Real-World Effects
- Sets precedent for telemedicine, legal consultants, and educators working online
- Encourages startups and digital freelancers to expand operations confidently
- Limits state-level overreach in licensing professionals
Your skills aren’t state-bound—and now, the law says so too.
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