Bar Council of India (BCI) has welcomed the Union Government’s decision to revise the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following concerns raised by the legal fraternity. The Ministry of Law & Justice has concluded its consultation process and will reprocess the draft for further discussions, as confirmed in an official press release dated February 22, 2025. This move, according to the BCI, reflects the government’s commitment to a fair and transparent legislative process.
The BCI, in continuous dialogue with Union Law Minister Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, has emphasized the importance of preserving the autonomy and dignity of the legal profession. The Minister assured that all contentious provisions will be thoroughly examined before finalizing the Bill. The BCI acknowledged the government’s proactive stance in addressing advocates’ concerns and urged legal professionals to refrain from protests or strikes, assuring them that the amendments will be made only after comprehensive consultation.
In light of these developments, the BCI has called upon all Bar Associations to resume court work from February 24, 2025. It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and independence of legal professionals and assured continued engagement with the government to ensure the interests of advocates are upheld.
BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA
(Statutory Body Constituted under the Advocates Act, 1961)
21, Rouse Avenue Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110 002
Press Release Dated 22.02.2025
Bar Council of India Welcomes Government’s Decision to Revise the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Bar Council of India extends its appreciation to the Union Government, under the able leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, for its commitment to transparency and constructive engagement with stakeholders in the drafting of the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
In light of the numerous suggestions and concerns raised by the legal fraternity, the Ministry of Law & Justice has decided to conclude the consultation process arid reprocess the revised draft of the Bill for further consultation. This decision, as officially conveyed through the Press Brief issued by the Ministry of Law & Justice on 22nd February 2025 and the letter D.O. No. IC-14/2/2025-IC dated 22nd February 2025, addressed to the Chairman, Bar Council of India, demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring a fair, transparent, and inclusive legislative process.
The BCI has been in continuous dialogue with the lion’ble Union Law Minister, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, raising the concerns of the legal fraternity. The Hon’ble Minister has assured that all contentious issues shall be thoroughly examined and appropriately addressed before finalizing the Bill. He further reaffirmed that no provision shall be enacted that undermines the autonomy, independence, and dignity of the legal profession.
The Bar Council of India recognizes and appreciates the proactive stance of the Government, which has taken serious note of the concerns of advocates across the country. This decision reflects the Government’s willingness to accommodate meaningful dialogue and ensure that reforms in legal education and practice align with the interests of advocates.
In view of these positive developments, the BCI urges all Bar Associations and legal professionals to refrain from premature protests or strikes. The Government has demonstrated a constructive and receptive approach, and the BCI remains resolute in ensuring that the amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961, are made only after due consultation and in the best interests of the legal fraternity.
Moving forward, the Bar Council of India will continue its active engagement with the Government to ensure that all genuine concerns of the legal profession are addressed.
The BCI assures all advocates that their rights, privileges, and professional independence remain its top priority and will continue to safeguard the interests of the legal community with utmost vigilance.
In view of the latest development and stand of the Government, the Council requests all those Bar Associations who have given the call of abstentions, to resume the Court Works from Monday, the 24th February, 2025.
(Manan Kumar Mishra)
Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
Chairman, Bar Council of India
