The Centre has agreed to make revisions to the Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks to amend the Advocates Act, and will conduct fresh public consultations regarding these changes. This decision was communicated by the Union Ministry of Law & Justice to the Bar Council of India (BCI) on Saturday.
This announcement comes amid ongoing protests from bar associations and lawyers nationwide against the current version of the Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The Law Ministry stated, “In light of the numerous suggestions and concerns received, we have decided to conclude the current consultation process. The revised draft bill will be re-evaluated for further consultation with stakeholders based on the feedback received.”
Consequently, the BCI has urged lawyers and bar associations to halt any further protests and strikes.
In a press release, the BCI noted that Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal has assured that all contentious issues will be thoroughly reviewed before the Bill is finalized.
“In light of the recent developments and the government’s position, the Bar Council of India requests all Bar Associations that had called for abstentions to resume court activities starting Monday, February 24, 2025,” the BCI stated.
The controversial Bill was made available for public consultation on February 13 on the Department of Legal Affairs’ website and faced significant backlash and protests from the legal community. The BCI communicated these concerns to the Law Ministry, which has now agreed to reconsider the Amendment Bill.