In a significant development, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has urged the legal community to abstain from strikes and engage constructively with government officials over the proposed amendments to the Advocates Act.
The call for calm and dialogue follows a series of comprehensive discussions between BCI representatives and key government figures, including the dynamic Union Minister of Law and Justice, Hon’ble Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal Ji. These discussions were held in the backdrop of the upcoming Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to address various concerns raised by the legal fraternity.
During the meetings, held earlier this evening, the BCI expressed its apprehensions and expectations regarding the draft bill. The Hon’ble Law Minister provided positive assurances that all contentious issues would be “carefully examined and suitably addressed before the enactment of the bill,” ensuring that no provision detrimental to the legal profession or its regulatory autonomy is passed into law.
The Bar Council of India highlighted the government’s constructive approach and responsiveness to suggestions from legal professionals. In light of these developments, the BCI has requested all Bar Associations and State Bar Councils to refrain from any form of protest that could disrupt the administration of justice.
A scheduled meeting of all State Bar Councils on February 23, 2025, will further discuss these developments. If necessary, the BCI has stated it will coordinate a nation-wide protest at an appropriate time. However, for now, the BCI is confident in the government’s positive stance on the issues at hand and sees no need for immediate protest.
The BCI has also called upon the Coordination Committee of all District Bar Associations of Delhi to ensure the message is effectively communicated to their members, aiming for the restoration of normal court functions starting tomorrow.
