The Government of India withdrew the Advocates Amendment Bill, 2025 on 25th February 2025. Why? Strong pushback from advocates, the Bar Council of India, extended control or intervention of the union government in BCI affairs, and opposition leaders in the parliament are core reasons behind the decision. Also, the government announced it would go back to the drawing board and bring a revised draft at a later date.
If you intend to learn ba llb hons, it is crucial to know, understand, and monitor developments related to the bill that is supposed to reform The Advocates Act, 1961.
So, what were the proposed changes? Why did they cause such a stir? And what could a revised bill look like?
Let’s break it down.
We will begin with the core concerns Mr. Abhishek Singhvi (Chairman of AICC Department of Law) raised in the parliament session regarding the concerned bill. He pointed out;
- Rather than establishing an appropriate platform for lawyers to voice their concerns and grievances, the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to strip them of the right to make legitimate demands through boycotts or work abstention, instead imposing penalties for such actions.
- The proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, permits undue interference of the Union Government in the composition, functioning, and procedures of the professional regulatory body (BCI), thereby undermining the principle of self-regulation and independence affirmed by the Supreme Court.
The future Ba llb syllabus and ba llb question papers will contain modules and questions on these developments. Therefore, choose a law program at premier universities like Chanakya University and stay on top of relevant trends in the legal landscape.
Bar Council of India (BCI) submitted its objections to the proposed Advocates (Amendments) Bill, 2025, to Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said on the controversy,
“It is deeply concerning that the draft publication includes several substantial changes introduced by the Ministry of Law and certain officials. These changes appear to be a direct attempt to dismantle the very foundation of the Bar’s autonomy and independence. Lawyers across the country are alarmed, and widespread protest is inevitable unless these deliberate and oppressive provisions are promptly revised or removed.”
Core Reasons for Protest and Withdrawal of The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Union Government’s interference in the affairs of a constitutional body, the Bar Council of India, and regulations regarding the entry of foreign law firms and lawyers in India.
- Restrictions or penal provisions against lawyers’ right to protest or lodge complaints. Many legal experts believe this would affect the legal community’s fundamental rights (Article 19—Freedom of Speech and Expression).
- Strong opposition from the legal community across India, including lawyers, legal associations, BCI, state bar councils, and others
- Disruptions in judicial procedures due to nationwide strikes and protests
Future Prospects and The Way Forward
The government plans to introduce a revised version of the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following a thorough consultation and review with key stakeholders. Key areas under review are;
- Maintaining the self-regulated and independent nature of BCI
- Regulations of foreign law firms and law practitioners in consultation with legal bodies
- Ensure no ambiguity while defining legal practitioners
Legal experts recommend that any future reforms prioritise bolstering legal education, refining disciplinary processes, and expanding access to justice while preserving the profession’s independence.
Excited to learn more about law and the evolving legal landscape? Among the best private universities in India, Chanakya University is the ultimate destination for quality law programs and a flourishing legal career. Explore CU’s law programs, ba llb duration, placements, and more. Apply now.