Barrister Sues Google Over Search Results Linking Him to Tax Avoidance Claims

A British barrister, Setu Kamal, is pursuing legal action against Google in the High Court, seeking to delist search results that connect him to a UK Revenue and Customs (HMRC) publication. The publication identifies him as a “promoter of tax-avoidance arrangements.” The Irish Times reported on this development on March 13, 2026.

Kamal’s Claims Against HMRC and Google

Kamal refutes HMRC’s assertion, arguing that it is false and lacks sufficient context. He contends that the publication fails to “clarify or contextualise” perceived flaws in the claim. He is leveraging EU privacy rules, specifically the “right to be forgotten,” under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), to compel Google to remove the search results linking to the HMRC publication. The Irish Times

According to court documents, Kamal asserts that HMRC unfairly targeted him due to his legal representation of clients involved in schemes HMRC has labeled as “tax avoidance.” He further claims that the legal basis for HMRC’s accusations breaches both EU law and his human rights.

Legal Proceedings and Filing Challenges

Barrister Aillil O’Reilly, representing Kamal, successfully applied to Judge Brian Cregan for permission to file sworn documents electronically. This was necessary because Kamal is currently in Dubai and, due to geopolitical concerns – specifically the ongoing war in Iran and instability in the wider Middle East – he has been unable to arrange the physical transfer of the documents to Ireland. The Irish Times

Separate Libel Claim Dismissed

This action against Google coincides with the dismissal of a separate £8 million libel claim Kamal brought against Dan Neidle, a journalist and tax expert. The High Court determined that Kamal’s lawsuit qualified as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), and subsequently struck it out. Tax Policy Associates reported on the dismissal on March 11, 2026.

Kamal’s Previous Legal Challenges

Kamal previously initiated judicial review proceedings in 2023 on behalf of four corporate entities challenging HMRC’s publication of their names as suspected promoters of tax avoidance. The High Court in London denied permission for these cases. The Irish Times

Kamal maintains he never provided taxation advice to these four companies, citing the “cab rank rule” which obligates barristers to accept cases. He believes he is being targeted due to his representation of these clients. The Irish Times

Concerns Over Career Impact

Kamal argues that the publications appearing in Google search results have caused, and continue to cause, significant harm to his career. He states, “I would submit that my entire career – the fruits of four degrees read, a place at the Bar and at chambers earned, 20 years of goodwill garnered and as many years fighting for human rights and EU law – may have come to be irreversibly destroyed if the publication continues.” The Irish Times