To encourage citizens’ involvement in the legislative process, the government has requested comments and suggestions on the draft Bill. A table highlighting the current provisions and the proposed changes has also been made available for reference.
NEW DELHI: The Union Law Ministry has introduced a draft of the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and has invited public feedback on it. The Bill aims to address modern challenges in the legal profession, improve transparency, and ensure that legal education and practice align with global standards, according to a press release issued by the Ministry.
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To encourage citizens’ involvement in the legislative process, the government has requested comments and suggestions on the draft Bill. A table highlighting the current provisions and the proposed changes has also been made available for reference.
In line with its ongoing reforms in the legal field, the Department of Legal Affairs has proposed amendments to enhance the quality of legal education and ensure that lawyers are better prepared to meet the changing demands of their profession.
The press release further states, “The objective is to elevate professional standards and ensure that the legal profession continues to contribute towards a just and equitable society.”
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The proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduces several new provisions, including:
- Mandatory Bar Association Registration (Section 33A): Advocates must register with a Bar Association where they regularly practice law, whether in a court, tribunal, or any other authority. If they decide to change their place of practice or the type of law they specialize in, they must inform their previous Bar Association within 30 days. Additionally, an advocate can only vote in one Bar Association.
- Ban on Court Boycotts (Section 35A): The Bill prohibits advocates and Bar Associations from calling or participating in court boycotts or obstructing court proceedings. Breaking this rule will lead to disciplinary actions and be treated as professional misconduct. However, advocates may engage in symbolic protests or one-day strikes, provided these actions do not disrupt court functions or affect the rights of their clients.
- Government’s Power to Direct Bar Council of India (Section 49B): The Central Government is empowered to issue instructions to the Bar Council of India (BCI) to ensure proper enforcement of the Act and its rules.
The Advocates Act, 1961, was originally passed to regulate the legal profession, protect client interests, and maintain professional standards. It also led to the creation of the Bar Council of India and State Bar Councils, responsible for overseeing the conduct and discipline of advocates across India.
In 2023, the Lok Sabha had already approved the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which aimed to repeal the outdated Legal Practitioners Act of 1879 and bring updates to the Advocates Act, 1961.
The public is encouraged to submit their views by email to dhruvakumar.1973@gov.in and impcell-dla@nic.in before February 28, 2025.
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