ADVOCATES (AMENDMENT) BILL 2025

On February 22, 2025, the Centre withdrew the contentious Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, stating that a revised version incorporating public feedback would be introduced.

INTRODUCTION

The Union Ministry of Law and Justice withdrew the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following strong opposition from the legal community.

The Bill sought to amend the Advocates Act, 1961, which governs the legal profession in India.

Lawyers and the Bar Council of India (BCI) raised concerns that the amendments would undermine the independence of legal institutions, restrict protests, and give excessive power to the government.

KEY PROVISIONS AND CONTROVERSIES

Government Influence Over the Bar Council of India (BCI)

IThe Bill proposed allowing the central government to nominate up to three members to the BCI.

IIThe BCI is an independent body that regulates the legal profession in India.

Restrictions on Lawyers' Right to Protest

IOne of the most contentious provisions was Section 35A, which aimed to ban strikes and boycotts by lawyers.

Entry of Foreign Law Firms and Lawyers

IThe Bill sought to empower the central government to regulate the entry of foreign law firms and lawyers into India.

Expanded Definition of 'Legal Practitioner'

IThe Bill proposed broadening the definition of ‘legal practitioner’ to include corporate lawyers and lawyers associated with foreign law firms.

New Misconduct Provisions and Penalties

REASONS FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE BILL

Strong Opposition from the Legal Community

Nationwide Strikes and Court Boycotts

Concerns Over Constitutional Rights

Bar Council of India’s Direct Intervention