Proposed The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, can be the next significant transformation in how law professionals practice and judiciary functions. Ba llb questions papers will include these provisions for the years to come. Therefore, you must know these provisions to be better prepared and future-ready as a law professional.
To facilitate this, we will explore these provisions in the following sections. We also suggest exploring Chanakya University for a holistic learning outcome. Visit now and apply now.
Provisions of The Advocates (Amendment) Act, 2025
Focus on Strengthening Law Education
- The Bar Council of India (BCI) will establish an Advisory Board to oversee improvements in legal education, research, and the legal profession.
- BCI will accredit Legal Education Centres to ensure law schools maintain prescribed standards.
- Law students must clear compulsory entrance tests for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes.
- Verification of advocates’ academic qualifications to prevent fraudulent entries into the legal field
- Holders of international law degrees can practice in India, subject to specified conditions.
Reforms in Enrollment and Practice of Law
- Mandatory passing of the All-India Bar Examination (AIBE) approved by BCI or an equivalent test for initial advocate registration and continued legal practice
- BCI broadens the definition of ‘legal practitioner’ to include advocates working in corporations, statutory bodies, and foreign law firms.
- State Bar Councils issue verification certificates to advocates after periodic checks of credentials and place of practice.
- All advocates must enrol in a recognised bar association.
Electoral and Structural Changes in Bar Councils
- Bar Councils enforce specific eligibility and disqualification rules for voting in and contesting elections.
- Bar Councils bar advocates convicted of crimes punishable with at least three years of imprisonment from serving as members.
- The Union Government nominates three members to the Bar Council of India.
- BCI includes at least two senior female advocates as members.
- BCI forms new Bar Councils in line with newly created states and union territories.
Disciplinary Reforms and Ethical Standards
- Authorities can impose stricter penalties for professional misconduct, including fines up to ₹3 lakh and suspension from legal practice.
- Bar Councils can enforce strict limits on strikes and boycotts by advocates and take disciplinary action against violators.
- A Public Grievance Redressal Committee will address complaints about corruption among Bar Council members.
- Authorities can ban individuals from practising law without proper enrollment.
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Improved Access to Justice
- Legal institutions can provide legal aid to marginalised groups, including SC, ST, OBC, women, persons with disabilities, and those affected by disasters.
- Authorities can extend welfare programs and financial assistance to advocates in need.
- Advocates must undergo continuous legal education to stay updated with legal developments.
- BCI monitors and regulates law firms and foreign lawyers, including permitting international firms to operate in India.
Faster and Transparent Disciplinary Process
- Disciplinary authorities resolve all cases within two years.
- BCI takes over cases from State Bar Councils if they fail to act in time.
- Authorities impose penalties for filing false or frivolous complaints to protect advocates from baseless allegations.
Conclusion
The Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025 marks a landmark shift in India’s legal framework. Although there are challenges that need to be addressed, it addresses core areas such as legal education, professional standards, regulatory oversight, and access to justice. By enforcing stricter eligibility norms, enhancing accountability mechanisms, and fostering inclusivity in legal practice, the Bill aims to modernise the legal profession and align it with global standards.
Understanding these reforms is essential for aspiring law professionals—not just for academic success but for becoming competent, ethical, and future-ready advocates in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. In this journey, Chanakya University, one of the best private universities in India, can be your ultimate ‘Sarathi’. Hop on and learn all about law.