In a significant move towards refining the legal framework of India, the Union Law Ministry has drafted the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Aimed at modernizing legal practices and education, the bill has been made available for public feedback to incorporate a wide range of perspectives into the legislative process.
The proposed bill seeks to tackle the evolving challenges within the legal profession, enhance transparency, and align Indian legal education and practice with international standards. The ministry has released a press statement detailing the ambitions of the amendment, which includes an invitation to the public and stakeholders to offer their insights and suggestions.
Feedback can be submitted via email to the designated addresses, dhruvakumar.1973@gov.in and impcell-dla@nic.in, until February 28, 2025. The Ministry has also provided a comparative table of existing and suggested amendments for better understanding and clarity.
Key amendments proposed in the bill are numerous and impactful. They intend to expand the definition of ‘legal practitioner’ to include corporate lawyers, ensuring that all law graduates engaged in legal work across various organizations fall under its scope. This amendment aims to encompass a broader spectrum of the legal workforce within the regulatory framework.
Another significant change is the mandatory registration of advocates with a Bar Association linked to their primary area of practice, aimed at enhancing regulatory compliance and professional integrity. Additionally, the bill seeks to outlaw court boycotts by advocates, permitting only symbolic protests that do not disrupt judicial proceedings or harm client interests.
Further amendments propose strict penalties for unauthorized legal practice, including imprisonment and fines, while also expanding the government’s authority over the Bar Council of India (BCI). This includes directives to ensure the Act’s proper implementation and new rules concerning the entry of foreign law firms and legal practitioners into India.
These proposed changes to the Advocates Act of 1961, which originally established the Bar Councils and set professional standards for advocates, reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to legal reforms. The Act’s overhaul aims to foster a more accountable, transparent, and efficient legal system, thereby contributing to a just and equitable society.
