The Central government announced on Saturday that it will revise the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, ending public consultations that began earlier this month amid protests from lawyers. This decision follows strikes by legal professionals and objections from the Bar Council of India (BCI).
Initially released for feedback on February 13, the draft bill aimed to amend the Advocates Act of 1961, proposing significant changes to terms like “legal practitioner” and “law graduate.” The law ministry stated that the bill’s release was part of its commitment to transparency, but due to the volume of feedback, the consultation process will conclude now.
The proposed amendments have sparked widespread protests, with lawyers arguing they would drastically alter the Advocates Act and expand avenues for legal practice. The ministry had indicated that the reforms were intended to align legal education and practice with international standards and enhance professional standards.
The Advocates Act of 1961 regulates legal practice in India and established the All India Bar and State Bar Councils.
Proposed Changes to the Advocates Act
The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to modernize the Advocates Act of 1961 with several key amendments:
- Expanded Definition of Legal Practitioner: The Bill broadens the definition of “legal practitioner” to include corporate lawyers, in-house counsels, and legal professionals in various organizations, beyond just court advocates.
- Mandatory Bar Association Registration: Advocates must register with a relevant Bar Association and notify any changes in practice area or location within 30 days. Voting rights are limited to one Bar Association.
- Ban on Strikes: Section 35A prohibits advocates and Bar Associations from strikes or boycotts that disrupt court proceedings, classifying such actions as professional misconduct. Symbolic protests are permitted if they do not interfere with court operations.
- Regulation of Foreign Law Firms: The amendments may create a framework for the operation of foreign law firms in India.
- Nomination of Bar Council Members: The central government may nominate up to three members to the Bar Council of India, alongside existing members like the Attorney General.
- Advisory and Regulatory Bodies: The Bar Council of India will establish an Advisory Board to oversee legal education and research.
(Newsroom staff only edited this story for style from a syndicated feed)
