In response to the proposed amendments, the Coordination Committee of All Bar Associations of Delhi has called for a complete strike from judicial work in all district courts across Delhi on February 17, 2025, citing concerns about the bill’s potential impact on the independence and dignity of the legal profession.

The government highlights that the goal of these amendments is to improve accountability, transparency, and professional standards by bringing the legal profession and education into line with international best practices.

The public and stakeholders are urged to study the proposed legislation and provide feedback by the deadline.

The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes significant reforms to the Advocates Act, 1961, aiming to modernize the legal profession in India. The Department of Legal Affairs has released the draft bill for public consultation, inviting feedback until February 28, 2025.

Key Proposals in the Bill:

1. Expanded Definition of Legal Practitioners: The bill broadens the term “legal practitioner” to include corporate lawyers, in-house counsels, and those engaged in legal work within private and public organizations, statutory bodies, and foreign law firms.
2. Mandatory Bar Association Registration: Advocates practicing before courts, tribunals, or authorities must register with a Bar Association where they primarily practice. Changes in location or practice area require notification to the previous Bar Association within 30 days. Voting rights are limited to one Bar Association per advocate.
3. Prohibition of Strikes and Boycotts: The introduction of Section 35A prohibits advocates and Bar Associations from initiating or participating in strikes or boycotts that disrupt court proceedings. Violations are considered professional misconduct, subject to disciplinary action. Symbolic or one-day protests are permitted if they do not interfere with court operations.
4. Government Oversight: The bill allows the Central Government to nominate up to three members to the Bar Council of India (BCI) and grants it authority to issue directives to the BCI for implementing the Act’s provisions.
5. Liability for Misconduct: Section 45B introduces provisions where clients can file complaints against advocates if deliberate actions or negligence result in financial loss.

The Coordination Committee of All Bar Associations of Delhi has expressed concerns about the bill’s possible effects on the independence and dignity of the legal profession and has called for a full strike from judicial work in all district courts throughout Delhi on February 17, 2025, in response to the proposed amendments.

The government highlights that the goal of these amendments is to improve accountability, transparency, and professional standards by bringing the legal profession and education into line with international best practices.

The public and stakeholders are urged to study the proposed legislation and provide feedback by the deadline.