Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025: What's changing, why Centre withdrew draft
What's the story
The central government has decided to revise the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after widespread protests from lawyers and objections from the Bar Council of India (BCI).
The draft bill was introduced for public consultation on February 13 with significant changes proposed to the Advocates Act, 1961.
These included a new definition of "legal practitioner" and mandatory registration with Bar Associations.
Bill details
Proposed changes in Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The proposed amendments sought to modernize the legal profession by bringing it in line with global best practices and enhancing legal education.
However, they were criticized for undermining the autonomy of the BCI and imposing restrictions on lawyers' rights to protest.
Section 35A of the draft bill, which prohibits strikes or boycotts by advocates, was especially contentious.
Opposition
Lawyers' protests and BCI's objections to the bill
Lawyers across India protested against the bill, with massive demonstrations in Lucknow and other parts of Uttar Pradesh.
In a letter to the Law Minister, BCI chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra stated that after two discussions with Ministry officials, they reached a consensus, but the published draft deviated from the agreed terms.
Following the protests, the government decided to end public consultations and revise the draft based on feedback received.
Political backing
Congress party's support for protesting lawyers
The opposition Congress party also backed the protesting lawyers, slamming the bill as "poorly drafted" and alleging the government was trying to tighten its grip over professional bodies without proper consultation.
The BCI has called upon lawyers to call off ongoing strikes and return to court work from February 24.
The revised draft will be further consulted with stakeholders before any legislative action, highlighting the government's commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement in the process.