New Delhi: February 22, 2025: In a significant development, the Union Government has decided to revise the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following extensive consultations with the legal fraternity. The decision comes after the Bar Council of India (BCI) raised serious concerns over several provisions in the proposed legislation.
The Ministry of Law & Justice, through an official press brief and a letter (D.O. No. IC-14/2/2025-IC) addressed to BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, confirmed that the Bill will undergo further deliberations before being finalized. The move reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and ensuring that the interests of advocates are safeguarded.
BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, in a statement, expressed gratitude to the Union Government, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, for their receptive approach and willingness to engage with legal professionals. He emphasized that the government has assured the Bar Council that no provision in the Bill will undermine the autonomy, independence, or dignity of the legal profession.
“The Bar Council of India has been in continuous dialogue with the Union Law Minister regarding the concerns of the legal fraternity. The Hon’ble Minister has assured that all contentious issues will be thoroughly examined before finalizing the Bill,” Mishra stated.
The BCI has urged all Bar Associations and legal professionals to remain patient and refrain from protests or strikes, acknowledging the government’s constructive stance. Following this latest development, the Council has also requested all Bar Associations that had called for abstention from court proceedings to resume normal work from Monday, February 24, 2025.
With the government agreeing to revisit the draft of the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the legal community awaits further consultations to ensure that any amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961, align with the best interests of the profession. The Bar Council has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights, privileges, and professional independence of advocates across the country.
