Today, On 25th February, Lawyers are set to go on strike on February 25 in protest against the proposed amendment to the Advocates Act. As part of their demonstration, they plan to surround treasury and registry offices. The legal community strongly opposes the changes, citing concerns over their impact on professional rights. The strike aims to pressure authorities to reconsider the amendment.
Under the leadership of the Uttar Pradesh Bar Council, lawyers initiated protests against the proposed amendments to the Advocates Act. In Jaunpur, members of the Collectorate Advocates Committee submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate (DM).
A key demand from the lawyers is the establishment of an Advocate Protection Act. They are also seeking a medical insurance cover of Rs.10 lakh for lawyers and their families, along with a Rs.10 lakh compensation in the event of death.
During a meeting chaired by OBA president RD Shashi on Monday, it was decided that members would abstain from work on Tuesday. This action is not only a protest against the proposed amendments but also addresses the shortage of judges in the High Court, the slow rotation system of judges’ jurisdictions, and the challenges in case listings.
In a related development, Arvind Kushwaha, president of the district court’s Central Bar Association (CBA), announced that the CBA convened a meeting where it was resolved to abstain from court work in solidarity with the UP Bar Council and to protest the proposed amendment.
Additionally, lawyers want the Rs. 500 stamp fee collected during registration to be returned to the state councils. They are requesting that 2% of the revenue generated from the sale of legal stamps be allocated to welfare schemes for advocates.
On Friday, lawyers wore black armbands and held a peaceful protest while giving their memorandum to the DM. On February 25, lawyers across the state will stop judicial work, gather outside the Treasury and Registry Offices from 10 AM to 5 PM, and stop deed writers from making sale deeds.
Lawyers have issued a warning that if the Advocate Amendment Bill-2025 is not withdrawn, they will escalate their protests nationwide. In Rajasthan, the Advocate Protection Act is currently stalled by the Governor, pending approval from the President.
Also Read: Law Minister Arjun Meghwal Confirms Big Change: “Advocates Act To Be Amended Soon”
The Advocate Protection Act is a proposed or enacted legislation in various jurisdictions aimed at ensuring the safety, security, and rights of legal professionals. The Act typically seeks to prevent violence, threats, and undue pressure on advocates while they perform their professional duties.
Several bar associations and legal professionals have been demanding a nationwide Advocate Protection Act in India due to increasing attacks on lawyers. Some states, such as Rajasthan, have already passed their own versions of the Act, while other states and the central government are considering similar measures.
- Rajasthan Advocate Protection Act, 2023: Rajasthan became the first Indian state to enact such a law, prescribing penalties for violence against advocates.
- Proposals at the National Level: The Bar Council of India (BCI) and various legal bodies have urged the central government to pass a nationwide Advocate Protection Bill.
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