Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025: Withdrawn After Bar Protests
Why in the news
The government pulled back the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on 22 February to consult widely and return with a revised draft. The Bar Council of India had strongly resisted it, fearing loss of the bar’s independence.
Key facts
| Area | Proposal | Objection |
|---|---|---|
| Strikes | Section 35A banned strikes and boycotts; violators face disciplinary action | Strikes are a valid protest, notably against State excesses |
| Government role | Three Centre nominees on BCI besides the Attorney General and Solicitor General; Section 49B directions | Could erode judicial independence and the profession’s autonomy |
| BCI powers | Section 45B: national disciplinary hearings, power to suspend practice; Section 48B: dissolve poorly functioning State bar councils | Cuts against the federal design of legal regulation |
| Corporate and foreign lawyers | “Legal practitioner” widened to in-house counsel and foreign lawyers; Centre to regulate foreign law firms | Unclear right of audience and legal privilege for in-house advice |
Way forward
- Consult bar associations, High Courts and legal professionals.
- Balance reform with bar autonomy and judicial independence.
Exam angle
- Regulator of advocates: Bar Council of India.
- Section numbers: 35A, 45B, 48B, 49B.
- Related terms: right of audience, legal privilege.