Centre withdraws the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following widespread opposition to the proposed amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961.
The Central Government has announced its decision to revise the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 following widespread protests and opposition from the legal fraternity, including the Bar Council of India (BCI). The bill, which proposed sweeping changes to the Advocates Act, 1961, sparked strong reactions from lawyers across the country, leading to strikes, demonstrations, and vocal objections from various legal bodies.
The main point of contention was the bill’s expanded definition of a “legal practitioner”, which many lawyers feared could dilute the traditional role of advocates and affect their professional standing. Recognizing the scale of concerns raised, the government decided to conclude the public consultation process, which had begun on February 13, 2025, and take a step back to reassess the proposed amendments.
The Department of Legal Affairs under the Union Law Ministry, which had initially floated the bill to modernize legal education and practice in line with global best practices, has now assured stakeholders that it will review the feedback received and incorporate necessary revisions. This move brings forward the government’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and meaningful engagement with legal professionals, ensuring that any changes to the Advocates Act align with the evolving legal landscape while addressing the concerns of practicing advocates
ALSO READ: Centre Seeks Public Feedback on Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Government’s Response & Next Steps
In a statement, the Union Law Ministry emphasized its commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, stating that the bill was placed in the public domain for consultations. However, due to the overwhelming number of concerns and suggestions, the government has now halted the consultation process and will rework the draft bill.
What Is the Advocates Act, 1961 and what are the proposed changes ?
The Advocates Act, 1961, is the primary legislation that regulates legal practice and advocate conduct in India. It also led to the establishment of the All India Bar and State Bar Councils, ensuring uniform standards in the legal profession. Under Section 4 of the Act, the Bar Council of India (BCI) was set up as the regulatory authority overseeing both legal education and the profession.
Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Indian legal landscape is set for a major transformation with the introduction of the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This groundbreaking legislation proposes significant changes to the Advocates Act, 1961, particularly by redefining who qualifies as a legal practitioner and expanding the scope of legal practice beyond traditional court advocacy .
- Expanding the Definition of Legal Practitioners
One of the most notable changes in the proposed amendment is the broader definition of a legal practitioner. Unlike the current system, which primarily recognizes court-practicing advocates, the new bill seeks to include law graduates working across diverse legal sectors. This means professionals employed in corporate firms, statutory bodies, public and private organizations, domestic and international law firms, and legal advisory roles will now be officially recognized under the law.
- Shifting Beyond Court-Centric Legal Practice
Traditionally, legal practice in India has been viewed through a court-centric lens, where only enrolled advocates are recognized as legal practitioners. The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 marks a progressive shift by acknowledging the evolving nature of legal services in the 21st century. Today, legal expertise is in high demand across various industries, including corporate law, policymaking, regulatory compliance, and legal consulting, many of which do not require court appearances.
This amendment aligns India’s legal framework with global trends, ensuring that professionals engaged in non-litigation roles receive due recognition for their legal expertise. By embracing modern legal careers, this reform is set to create new opportunities for law graduates and reshape the future of legal practice in India.
- Recognition of Corporate Lawyers & In-House Counsel
For years, corporate lawyers and in-house counsel have operated in a grey area, contributing significantly to business strategy, compliance, and risk management without clear legal status. The new bill finally acknowledges their role, ensuring that legal professionals working in corporate firms, private organizations, and statutory bodies are formally recognized as part of the legal profession.
- Streamlining Experience Certification & Legal Documentation
A major highlight of the bill is the introduction of Section 2(i), which establishes a structured system for verifying legal experience. Under this provision, experience certificates issued by state bar councils, bar associations, courts, tribunals, and private organizations will now be considered valid proof of legal practice. This reform brings much-needed clarity, replacing the previously chaotic and inconsistent certification process.
- Adapting to a Changing Legal Landscape
These timely reforms reflect the rapid evolution of the legal sector. With globalization, the rise of corporate legal departments, and the growing influence of legal technology, the traditional boundaries of legal practice are shifting. The proposed amendments acknowledge this reality, offering a legal framework that aligns with the modern demands of the legal industry.
- Impact on Organizations & Legal Professionals
A broader definition of legal practitioners means organizations can benefit from greater flexibility in hiring legal talent while reducing compliance costs. Additionally, streamlined experience certification will make career transitions smoother for legal professionals, allowing them to move seamlessly across different practice areas.
ALSO READ: Delhi Bar Associations Call for Strike Against Proposed Advocate Amendment Bill 2025
The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of India’s legal profession, aiming to align legal practice with global standards and changing industry dynamics. However, the proposed expansion of the definition of legal practitioners has sparked intense debate, with concerns over regulatory challenges, professional oversight, and the impact on traditional advocacy roles. The government’s decision to revise the draft bill following widespread feedback highlights its commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement. As the legal fraternity awaits the reworked draft, the focus must remain on balancing progressive reforms with the need to uphold professional integrity, ethical standards, and the quality of legal services in India.
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